Staff Counsel

Peggy Browning Fund; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 95,450; Full time

Job summary

Peggy Browning Fund in New York seeks an Agency Attorney to handle complex investigations and litigation to protect worker rights. Candidates must be admitted to the New York State Bar and possess relevant legal experience. The role includes drafting legal documents, managing cases, and collaborating with investigators. This position offers a salary range of $83,000 to $95,450, with eligibility for remote work up to 2 days per week.

Ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to social justice and proven litigation skills. The Fund is dedicated to diversity and equal opportunity in its workforce.

Qualifications

• One year of satisfactory legal experience or six months as Agency Attorney Interne.
• Must remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations for litigation.
• Draft pleadings and manage discovery.
• Advocate for employees at settlement conferences.
• Perform legal research and write briefs.

Skills

Litigation experience

Social justice commitment

Leadership skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical skills

Education

Admission to New York State Bar

Job description

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

Department: Labor Policy And Standards

Salary range: $83,000.00 – $95,450.00 (Full-time)

Location: NYC-ALL BOROS

Remote work: Eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week under the Flexible Work Pilot Program.

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering economic justice. DCWP leverages its authority to bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting‑edge protections such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. Through licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, DCWP ensures fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. DCWP is committed to making New York City a fairer, more affordable place to live. The Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS) enforces the City’s worker protection laws and administers the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA) program, bringing pattern and practice litigation on behalf of freelancers. In July 2026 OLPS will begin enforcing Local Law 52 of 2026, which protects Uber and Lyft drivers from wrongful deactivation. OLPS obtains monetary compensation for workers, brings companies into compliance, advocates for new laws, performs research and data analysis, and conducts outreach and education to workers, employers, and the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex investigations to develop evidence suited to litigation, collaborating with investigation teams of data scientists and investigators.
• Review investigators’ reports and evaluate the strength of evidence for litigation.
• Litigate enforcement actions to obtain monetary relief for employees experiencing workplace violations, including drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, interviewing witnesses, preparing witnesses to testify, developing damages calculations, advocating for DCWP at settlement conferences and other appearances, and trying cases.
• Edit and draft Consent Orders and negotiate settlement terms with employers to resolve enforcement matters.
• Perform legal research to support OLPS enforcement and policy work.
• Write letters, legal briefs, and legal research memos on matters related to enforcement and policy.
• Write public-facing materials about the laws OLPS enforces.

Note: The posted salary range is for an Agency Attorney Level II. Attorneys who do not meet the minimum qualifications for Assignment Level II may be considered if they meet the minimum qualifications for Agency Attorney Interne or Agency Attorney Level I. Salary ranges for these titles are as follows:

• Agency Attorney Interne: $72,510 – $83,388
• Agency Attorney, Assignment Level I: $73,476 – $84,498

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 employment.

To be assigned to Assignment Level 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

• Experience with all aspects of litigation, from fact development and initial pleadings through trial.
• Commitment to social justice and interest in addressing the challenges faced by low‑wage workers.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to think and plan strategically and support high‑performing, diverse work teams.
• The ability to establish rapport and interact effectively and respectfully with multi‑functional teams comprised of attorney and non‑attorney staff.
• Experience working in government, including litigation, legislative, and/or investigative experience.
• Experience representing or advocating for the labor and employment rights of workers.
• The ability to problem‑solve creatively.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• The ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
• Fluency in a language other than English.

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.

Job ID: 782060

Experience level: Experienced (non‑manager)