General Counsel

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner seeks a chief legal advisor to guide legal matters, collaborate on strategic goals, and oversee compliance. This role requires strong leadership and legal expertise, particularly in government operations and litigation.

Benefits

Federal loan forgiveness eligibility

State repayment assistance programs

Qualifications

• Four years of legal experience post-admission, including supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as legal counselor to executive leadership and agency personnel.
• Assist in litigating lawsuits against the agency.
• Draft legislation and policy statements significant to the agency.

Skills

Leadership

Judgment

Initiative

Education

Admission to the New York State Bar

Job description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve:

• Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
• Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
• Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
• Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
• Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs

Job Description

Under executive direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent initiative and judgment, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as the agency’s chief legal advisor. This position reports administratively to the Chief Operating Officer and has a dual reporting structure to the City’s Law Department (Corporation Counsel). The individual will advise the Chief Medical Examiner, Chief Operating Officer, and other executive staff on all matters concerning New York City laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to government operations. Responsibilities include:

• Serve as legal counselor to the Chief Medical Examiner, Chief Operating Officer, executive leadership, managerial staff, and other agency personnel.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and implement strategic goals, policies, and procedures aligned with OCME’s mission, contributing to long-term planning and decision-making.
• Assist the New York City Law Department in litigating lawsuits against the agency, including complex and high-profile cases involving intricate legal and factual determinations.
• Draft legislation and policy statements significant to the agency and advise on the impact of proposed and enacted legislation affecting OCME.
• Review, prepare, and negotiate complex procurement and other contracts on behalf of the agency.
• Develop and review agency and administrative policies to ensure legal compliance and adherence to best practices.
• Manage a team of attorneys and support staff, reviewing, revising, and approving materials related to civil or criminal matters, subpoenas, FOIL requests, and forensic science testimony.
• Supervise the agency’s Director of Quality Assurance and oversee quality-related matters.
• Supervise the Director of Records and oversee the operations of the Records Department.
• Serve as liaison to relevant City agencies, including district attorneys’ offices, criminal defense organizations, the judiciary, oversight agencies, and legislative bodies.
• Provide guidance and oversight on integrity control initiatives.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar and four years of recent full-time responsible legal experience post-admission, including at least eighteen months in supervising attorneys in an administrative, managerial, or legal capacity. Candidates must remain members of the NYS Bar in good standing during employment.

Preferred Skills

• Strong team-building capabilities.
• Highly developed facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to handle multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Minimum of five years as a senior attorney in a General Counsel’s Office or Legal Department.
• Experience in a forensic, laboratory, or medical setting.
• Experience with crisis or mass fatality management, emergency response, and coordination.
• Knowledge of Citywide compliance and procurement regulations, including reviewing and modifying contracts.

Additional Information

Eligible employees may qualify for federal loan forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs. Residency in NYC is required within 90 days of appointment; certain exceptions apply based on continuous city employment. The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.