AGENCY ATTORNEY II

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Agency Attorney II to join their Law Enforcement Bureau. This role is pivotal in enforcing human rights laws by investigating discrimination claims and advocating for justice. The ideal candidate will possess strong legal skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to community engagement. You will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively, addressing systemic discrimination while representing the Commission at various events. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community, ensuring everyone can thrive free from discrimination.

Benefits

Eligible for federal and state loan forgiveness programs

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar required.
• Minimum one year of legal experience after admission.

Responsibilities

• Enforce the NYC Human Rights Law through various legal interventions.
• Investigate claims of discrimination and negotiate resolutions.
• Represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge.

Skills

Legal Experience

Communication Skills

Negotiation

Organizational Skills

Fluency in another language

Education

Admission to the New York State Bar

Job description

Join to apply for the AGENCY ATTORNEY II role at City of New York.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works daily to enforce the city’s Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission aims to address historic and contemporary inequities to foster a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.

Through training, education, and policy initiatives, the Commission strives to eliminate discrimination. It proactively identifies patterns of discrimination via testing employers, housing providers, and public accommodations, and uses investigations, litigation, and enforcement tools to address allegations of discrimination.

The Commission seeks an Agency Attorney, Level Two, to join the Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB). This role involves enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law through pre-complaint interventions, investigations, mediations, settlements, and litigation.

Job Description

• This position is within the Law Enforcement Bureau, handling cases in housing, employment, healthcare, and public accommodations.
• Interview members of the public alleging discrimination; conduct pre-complaint interventions, investigations, and file complaints as appropriate.
• Investigate claims of discrimination and pattern or practice violations for potential Commission-initiated actions.
• Negotiate resolutions, draft settlement agreements, and monitor compliance.
• Litigate cases from probable cause determination through referral to the hearings division.
• Represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge, engage in discovery, and defend depositions.
• Handle cases at trial, including issuing recommendations and decisions.
• Provide training and collaborate with the Community Relations Bureau to address systemic discrimination.
• Represent the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and bar associations.
• Perform additional duties to support the Law Enforcement Bureau’s work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either one year of legal experience after admission or six months as an Agency Attorney Intern.

Incumbents must remain in good standing with the New York State Bar.

Additional Requirements

To be assigned to Level II, candidates need one year of experience at Level I or two years of comparable legal experience post-admission. For Level III, two years at Levels I/II or three years of similar experience.

Preferred Skills

• Strong relationships with diverse communities and experience working with immigrants, people of color, those with limited English, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and others.
• Well-organized, assertive, and capable of working independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and people skills.
• Familiarity with the NYCHRL.
• Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in NYC.

Additional Information

Eligible for federal and state loan forgiveness programs. NYC residency is not required.

The City is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Salary Range: $83,000.00 – $95,450.00