Counsel

New York City Department of Investigation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York City Department of Investigation is seeking an examining attorney to serve as Counsel in the General Counsel Unit. The role involves handling subpoenas, FOIL requests, and information from prosecutors, while supporting investigations and legal analyses.

Ideal candidates will conduct thorough legal research, draft memos, and prepare investigative reports, communicating clearly with City agencies, vendors, and officials. Strong ethics and professional standards are essential.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited law school and New York State Bar admission.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Highest professional and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Respond to subpoenas and litigation requests.
• Assist with agency responses to requests under the NYS Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
• Respond to information requests from prosecutors.
• Support agency investigations and related legal work.
• Conduct legal research, draft memos, and write/edit investigative reports.
• Interact with City agencies on DOI legal matters.
• Support procurement and contracting activities.
• Manage additional special projects.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Initiative

Collaboration

Litigation experience

Contracts experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

New York State Bar admission

Job description

The New York City Department of Investigation ("DOI") is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country; its mission is to combat municipal corruption. DOI serves the people of New York City by acting as an independent and nonpartisan watchdog for New York City government, City agencies, and City employees, vendors with City contracts, individuals and entities that receive City funds.

DOI's General Counsel unit provides legal services and guidance to executive staff and to DOI's investigative squads, supporting and strengthening the agency's legal foundation and mission through legal analysis, research and writing, and advice in connection with DOI's investigative and operational functions.

The General Counsel Unit seeks a dynamic and thoughtful attorney to serve as Counsel.

The Counsel will assist with various aspects of the General Counsel Unit's work, and responsibilities may include responding to subpoena and litigation requests; assisting with the agency's responses to requests under the New York State Freedom of Information Law; responding to information requests from prosecutors; supporting agency investigations; conducting legal research, drafting legal memos, and writing/editing investigative reports; interacting with City agencies with respect to DOI legal matters; supporting agency procurement and contracting; and managing additional special projects.

If selected, the candidate will be fingerprinted and undergo a background investigation. In addition, for positions that have a law enforcement and/or investigative function, the candidate's consumer credit history will be reviewed during the background investigation, and as otherwise permitted by NYC Administrative Code 8-107(24)(b)(2)(A).

EXAMINING ATTORNEY - 30119

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Graduate from an accredited law school and New York State Bar admission.
• 2. Strong written and oral communication skills.
• 3. Highest professional and ethical standards.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Previous experience responding to Freedom of Information Law requests or other document requests is a plus.
• Previous experience with the functions of an in-house legal department is a plus, including but not limited to litigation, employment law, contracts, and other pertinent areas.
• Takes initiative, proactively identifies or raises issues, and can effectively work both independently and in collaboration with teams as needed.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex legal concepts to both other attorneys and non-lawyers, and to represent the agency in communications with prosecutors, investigative agencies, City government officials, journalists, and members of the public.

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.