ATTORNEY INTERNE

HRA/DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; World Trade Center (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Services, Office of Legal Affairs, seeks an Agency Attorney Interne to support litigation and program counseling efforts in New York City. The role focuses on defending the agency in cases involving client responsibility and temporary housing assistance, with duties spanning research, drafting, and trial preparation.

Responsibilities include representing the Commissioner at NYS hearings and court proceedings, negotiating settlements, reviewing compliance orders, and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited United States law school or admission to the New York State Bar.
• Strong oral advocacy skills and ability to write a legal summary or memorandum.
• Ability to read and research laws, rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Commissioner's interests in NYS Fair Hearings and NYS Court proceedings to discontinue temporary housing assistance.
• Provide legal counsel and review settlements; monitor compliance with decisions.
• Perform legal research on social services and administrative law; draft Fair Hearing responses, Article 78 motions and pleadings.
• Draft legal documents and interpret statutes, rules and regulations related to social services.
• Maintain case files and update notes in the Office of Legal Affairs case management system.
• Review and prepare witnesses, evidence and opine on matters of legal strategy.
• Must travel and may be reassigned to other boroughs within New York City, as needed.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Legal writing

Legal research

Education

J.D. or NYS Bar admission

Job description

The Department of Social Services' Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Attorney Interne will work towards defending the agency in cases enforcing client responsibility and discontinuing temporary housing assistance.

The Office of the General Counsel / Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for one (1) Agency Attorney Interne, in the Homeless Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (HLPCU) to function as Attorney Interne, who will:

• Represent the interests of the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services/Department of Homeless Services in NYS Fair Hearings and NYS Court proceedings to discontinue temporary housing assistance for clients that failed to comply with statutory public assistance requirements, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Department of Homeless Services policies and procedures.
• Provide legal counsel and review with regard to negotiated settlements, monitor compliance with administrative and court decisions.
• Perform legal research on social services and administrative law subject matter and drafting standard Fair Hearing responses, Article 78 motions and responsive pleadings.
• Draft legal documents and provide legal assistance to DHS by researching applicable statutes, case law or other material to resolve legal questions/problems, interpret the intent and legal ramifications of laws, rules/regulations related to the delivery of social services.
• Maintain case files and update notes into Office of Legal Affairs case management system records on case status.
• Review and prepare witnesses, evidence and opine on matters of legal strategy.
• Must travel and may be re-assigned to other boroughs within New York City, as needed.

Hours/Shift: Monday through Friday 9am – 5 pm with flex

AGENCY ATTORNEY INTERNE - 30086

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

• Strong oral advocacy skills and ability to write a legal summary or memorandum.
• Ability to read and research laws, rules and regulations.

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.