Assistant General Counsel

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS SERV.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Small Business Services in New York City seeks an Assistant General Counsel to provide legal counsel, guidance, and analysis across a broad range of regulatory, employment, and operational matters. The role supports SBS programs, divisions, and management under the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel.

The position involves reviewing procurement contracts, advising on privacy practices, and assisting HR on discipline and labor relations, with opportunities to impact economic

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited U.S. law school or admission to the New York State Bar.
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills.
• Experience with City employment/EEO/disciplinary matters, procurement and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal review, research, and analysis in FOIL disclosure matters.
• Respond to FOIL requests, subpoenas, litigation requests, and investigations.
• Advise on records management and document retention requirements.
• Serve as the agency’s Privacy Officer and counsel on privacy laws.
• Assist HR on employee discipline and labor relations.
• Research and interpret Federal, State and City laws applicable to SBS programs.
• Draft and review procurement solicitations, contracts and agreements.
• Draft rules and policies for Workforce Development and Economic Development programs.
• Assist with M/WBE appeals and present decisions to deputies and staff.
• Assist GC/DCG with conflicts of interest, regulatory matters, hearings, audits.

Education

Graduation from an accredited United States law school or admission to NYS Bar

Job description

Agency Description

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building a fairer economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

Division Description

The Office of Legal Counsel provides legal support to all SBS programs, initiatives and divisions. Under the supervision of the General Counsel, and the Deputy General Counsel, the Office of Legal Counsel ensures that SBS programs are operating efficiently and comply with all applicable Federal, State, and City laws, rules and regulations.

Job Description

Under the supervision and direction of the Deputy General Counsel and the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel is expected to provide legal counsel, guidance, research, analysis, and support SBS programs, divisions, and management on a broad range of legal, regulatory, employment, and operational matters. The specific responsibilities of the Assistant General Counsel include:

• Provide legal review, research, and analysis in the area of document disclosure pursuant to the NYS Freedom of Information Law.
• Work closely with staff to respond to FOIL requests, subpoenas, litigation requests, and investigations.
• Provide legal counsel on matters of records management and document retention requirements.
• Serve as the agency’s Privacy Officer and provide legal counsel on matters of privacy laws, protecting sensitive information, and privacy best practices.
• Assist the agency’s HR department on matters of employee discipline and labor relations.
• Participate in meetings with staff and conduct research of Federal, State and City laws, rules, regulations and programs and provide recommendations and interpretations of law to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations;
• Review, draft and negotiate various procurement solicitations, contracts and agreements with outside vendors and entities, including contracts and agreements with federal funding requirements for City Law Department review and approval and communicate contract review process/procedures to SBS program divisions;
• Review and draft rules, legislation and policies relating to Workforce Development initiatives, Commercial Revitalization initiatives, and general Economic Development and other SBS programs;
• Assist division staff with the M/WBE appeals and decision process; draft opinions, present facts and decisions to Deputies, General Counsel and M/WBE program staff;
• Assist the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel with other assignments and projects as needed, including Conflicts of Interest matters, regulatory/permit matters, administrative hearings, litigation support, nonprofit governance, audits, HR and EEO matters, and other legal and programmatic matters that may arise.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated excellent research, analytical and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated experience/familiarity with City employment/EEO/disciplinary matters, procurement and contracting, economic or community development programs, federal, New York state or local government regulations, municipal law or a related field

55a Program

This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a.

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.