City of New York
Overview
The Legal Process and Records Access Unit (LPRAU) of the Employment Law Division handles all incoming requests for DSS/HRA/DHS agency records. This includes providing policy statements and legal responses, quashing subpoenas that seek records not subject to release, responding to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests pursuant to the NYS Public Officers Law, defending appeals challenged through New York Civil Practice Law and Rule (CPLR) Article 78 proceedings, and responding to client case requests pursuant to agency policy or procedures. LPRAU tracks incoming requests and maintains files according to city and state records retention requirements; retrieves requested records from administrative and program areas; determines whether records may be released under applicable laws; provides records subject to release; and handles intake and tracking of legal papers served on the agency to ensure proper routing and timely handling. Position
The Office of the General Counsel / Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting to fill one Agency Attorney III position to function as a Senior Attorney in the LPRAU. Under the direction of the Associate General Counsel, and with wide latitude for independent judgment, the Senior Attorney will perform legal work as described below. Responsibilities
Review FOIL requests from outside requestors to determine responsiveness and assist in reviewing whether documents may be released pursuant to statute, in conjunction with more senior attorney staff. Review requests for records not under FOIL (including client requests, court subpoenas, letters from advocates, media, and other requestors) to determine material availability and the legal adequacy of subpoenas, releases, and court orders in consultation with supervisors and management. Provide guidance on whether release of materials is consistent with applicable laws and rules; make legal determinations on initiating actions, including motions to quash, confidentiality-based withholding, and other privacy laws and rules on behalf of DSS/HRA/DHS. Handle CPLR Article 78 proceedings in FOIL litigation and motions to quash subpoenas; provide counseling on matters including court appearances, pleadings, stipulations, and memoranda. Conduct legal research on privacy and the FOIL statute and prepare memoranda for Agency managers. Provide legal counseling to agency program areas and departments; interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to service delivery; may supervise subordinate attorneys and support staff in preparing legal responses. Draft and review legal documents and prepare complex opinions on matters of significance to the City of New York; include pleadings, motions, contracts, and statements to obtain court agreements, stipulations, or judgments, and prepare memoranda and advisory opinions as requested. Represent the Commissioner in judicial proceedings, including motions, trials, hearings, petitions, and appeals; negotiate on behalf of the Agency to obtain contracts, settlements, or judgments. Conduct legal discovery to obtain evidence and research complex issues by reviewing statutes, case law, regulations, and other materials to formulate arguments and strategy in support of the Agency position. Provide guidance to other attorney and support staff; train on policy, practices, and procedures; review case files and recommend follow-up actions; assume full responsibility in the absence of a supervisor. Perform other related tasks. Minimum Qualifications
1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either Two or more of the following: one year of satisfactory United States legal experience after admission to any state bar; or Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086). Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment. In addition to the minimum qualifications, to be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at AL I or two years of comparable legal experience post-admission; to AL III, two years of experience at AL I/II or three years of comparable legal experience post-admission in relevant areas of law. Preferred Skills
Strong oral argument and written advocacy skills. Knowledge of employment law. Ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the Agency. Superior legal research, writing ability, and time management. Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ Residency
New York City Residency is not required for this position. Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on legally protected statuses or characteristics, including sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
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The Legal Process and Records Access Unit (LPRAU) of the Employment Law Division handles all incoming requests for DSS/HRA/DHS agency records. This includes providing policy statements and legal responses, quashing subpoenas that seek records not subject to release, responding to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests pursuant to the NYS Public Officers Law, defending appeals challenged through New York Civil Practice Law and Rule (CPLR) Article 78 proceedings, and responding to client case requests pursuant to agency policy or procedures. LPRAU tracks incoming requests and maintains files according to city and state records retention requirements; retrieves requested records from administrative and program areas; determines whether records may be released under applicable laws; provides records subject to release; and handles intake and tracking of legal papers served on the agency to ensure proper routing and timely handling. Position
The Office of the General Counsel / Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting to fill one Agency Attorney III position to function as a Senior Attorney in the LPRAU. Under the direction of the Associate General Counsel, and with wide latitude for independent judgment, the Senior Attorney will perform legal work as described below. Responsibilities
Review FOIL requests from outside requestors to determine responsiveness and assist in reviewing whether documents may be released pursuant to statute, in conjunction with more senior attorney staff. Review requests for records not under FOIL (including client requests, court subpoenas, letters from advocates, media, and other requestors) to determine material availability and the legal adequacy of subpoenas, releases, and court orders in consultation with supervisors and management. Provide guidance on whether release of materials is consistent with applicable laws and rules; make legal determinations on initiating actions, including motions to quash, confidentiality-based withholding, and other privacy laws and rules on behalf of DSS/HRA/DHS. Handle CPLR Article 78 proceedings in FOIL litigation and motions to quash subpoenas; provide counseling on matters including court appearances, pleadings, stipulations, and memoranda. Conduct legal research on privacy and the FOIL statute and prepare memoranda for Agency managers. Provide legal counseling to agency program areas and departments; interpret laws, rules, and regulations related to service delivery; may supervise subordinate attorneys and support staff in preparing legal responses. Draft and review legal documents and prepare complex opinions on matters of significance to the City of New York; include pleadings, motions, contracts, and statements to obtain court agreements, stipulations, or judgments, and prepare memoranda and advisory opinions as requested. Represent the Commissioner in judicial proceedings, including motions, trials, hearings, petitions, and appeals; negotiate on behalf of the Agency to obtain contracts, settlements, or judgments. Conduct legal discovery to obtain evidence and research complex issues by reviewing statutes, case law, regulations, and other materials to formulate arguments and strategy in support of the Agency position. Provide guidance to other attorney and support staff; train on policy, practices, and procedures; review case files and recommend follow-up actions; assume full responsibility in the absence of a supervisor. Perform other related tasks. Minimum Qualifications
1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either Two or more of the following: one year of satisfactory United States legal experience after admission to any state bar; or Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086). Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment. In addition to the minimum qualifications, to be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at AL I or two years of comparable legal experience post-admission; to AL III, two years of experience at AL I/II or three years of comparable legal experience post-admission in relevant areas of law. Preferred Skills
Strong oral argument and written advocacy skills. Knowledge of employment law. Ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the Agency. Superior legal research, writing ability, and time management. Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ Residency
New York City Residency is not required for this position. Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on legally protected statuses or characteristics, including sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
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