Staff Counsel

New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is seeking a Staff Counsel to handle investigations and litigation regarding licensing and consumer protection laws. The ideal candidate will have a background in legal practice, particularly in consumer protection and finance, along with strong litigation and legal research skills.

Benefits

Remote work options

Opportunities for professional development

Loan forgiveness programs for public service

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of satisfactory legal experience after bar admission.
• At least two years of litigation experience preferred.
• Experience in consumer protection and finance laws is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and litigate cases regarding licensing and consumer protection laws.
• Draft legal documents and oversee compliance reviews.
• Manage case projects and participate in outreach and training.

Skills

Litigation Experience

Legal Research

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Admission to the New York State Bar

Job description

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New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection provided pay range

This range is provided by New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$83,000.00/yr - $95,450.00/yr

**This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program. **

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCWP licenses more than 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection, licensing, and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources and, by helping to resolve complaints, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. Through its community outreach and the work of its offices of Financial Empowerment and Labor Policy & Standards, DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to be educated consumers and to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCWP also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City’s communities. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp or on its social media sites, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

DCWP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Counsel in the Affirmative, Licensing and Litigation Unit. This attorney will be responsible for initiating, investigating, and litigating cases at the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and in State Court against individuals and businesses that violate New York City’s licensing and consumer protection laws.

Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Staff Counsel responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identifying targets for investigation and leading investigations to collect evidence;
• Case development and prosecution of businesses engaged in illegal conduct;
• Overseeing regulatory compliance review of licensed businesses;
• Undertaking legal research and drafting memorandum on discrete legal issues facing the agency;
• Drafting general correspondence and legal documents to businesses, consumers, and others;
• Conducting depositions and hearings, and preparing for trial and trying cases on behalf of the agency at New York City’s administrative tribunal;
• Identifying strategic opportunities to bring affirmative cases or motion practice in New York State Supreme Court;
• Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements of enforcement proceedings initiated by attorneys and the agency’s field inspectors;
• Drafting proposed agency rules; and
• Participating in agency outreach and trainings for business and public education.
  
  

The ideal candidate will be responsible for these functions, as well as for special projects and assignments related to consumer or licensee issues. As part of these functions, the Staff Counsel is responsible for careful case project management and operational tasks necessary to support and effectuate this work.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• 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.

Preferred Skills

• At least two years of litigation experience, including in New York State courts, Federal court, and/or at the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) - Demonstrated excellent verbal written communication skills - Ability to lead own cases and manage legal portfolio - Demonstrated good judgment and excellent interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills - Proficiency in conducting legal research and undertaking factual investigations, including reviewing documents and conducting witness interviews and depositions - Sharp attention to detail and excellent legal writing skills - Comfort with data-driven analysis and strategic planning - Ability to effectively interact effectively with multi-functional teams comprised of attorney and non-attorney staff - Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines - References that can confirm legal skills and - Experience and knowledge in consumer protection and finance laws, administrative law, false advertising litigation, and/or internet and data privacy issues is preferred.
  
  

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Government Administration

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