Agency Attorney Levels 2-3

Department of Correction; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) seeks experienced Attorneys to join the Trials and Litigation Unit. Under supervision, attorneys will handle disciplinary matters, draft charges, review discovery, interview witnesses, and represent the Department in negotiations and at O.A.T.H. hearings.

Strong writing, research, and litigation skills are essential. Preferred candidates will have prior litigation experience and the ability to manage time-sensitive matters, with a commitment to

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar is required.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience after admission or six months as Agency Attorney Interne.
• Incumbents must remain members in good standing for duration of employment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate disciplinary matters for legal sufficiency.
• Draft formal Departmental charges against DOC employees.
• Prepare and review discovery materials.
• Conduct witness interviews and review evidence (audio/video).
• Represent the Department in informal settlement negotiations.
• Conduct informal conferences at O.A.T.H. and pursue negotiated resolutions.
• Prepare memoranda and recommended plea agreements for disciplinary matters.
• Conduct formal hearings at O.A.T.H. for disciplinary charges.

Skills

Legal writing

Litigation experience

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Admission to New York State Bar

Job description

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

The DOC seeks to recruit experienced Attorneys to work in the Trials and Litigation Unit.

Under general supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment and action, the selected candidates will have responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating disciplinary matters for legal sufficiency;
• Drafting formal Departmental charges against DOC uniform and non-uniform employees;
• Preparing and reviewing discovery;
• Conducting interviews with potential witnesses;
• Reviewing evidence, including audio and video recordings;
• Representing the Department during informal settlement negotiations with opposing counsel;
• Conducting informal conferences at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (O.A.T.H.);
• Recommending appropriate resolutions on disciplinary matters;
• Preparing memoranda detailing evidence and recommended negotiated plea agreements (settlements);
• Preparing disciplinary matters that are not settled for formal hearings at O.A.T.H;
• Conducting formal hearings on disciplinary charges at O.A.T.H. against employees of the Department;
• Researching legal issues for appellate argument as the Department’s representative before the New York City Civil Service Commission;
• Handling time-sensitive matters “on call” to determine whether reasonable suspicion exists for authorization to conduct urinalysis testing of a member of the Department;
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, analytical, research, problem-solving, multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Prior litigation experience.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Minimum Qualifications

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below. 2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or 3. 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 this employment. In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements: To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

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, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

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 and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.