Staff Counsel

CONSUMER AND WORKER PROTECTION; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DCWP seeks an Agency Attorney (Job ID 30087) to lead complex investigations and develop evidence for litigation. The role includes reviewing investigation reports, litigating enforcement actions to recover monetary relief for workers, and drafting pleadings and settlement terms.

The attorney will perform legal research, draft briefs and memos, and write public-facing materials about enforcement and policy, supporting protections for low-wage workers in New York City.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the New York State Bar and eligible to practice in NY.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience after admission to any state bar; or six months as Agency Attorney Intern (30086).
• Incumbents must remain members of the NYS Bar in good standing during employment.
• For Assignment Level II/III, experience requirements vary by level and relate to law areas tied to the assignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex investigations and develop evidence suited to litigation with data-science and investigator teams.
• Review investigators' reports and evaluate evidence strength for litigation.
• Litigate enforcement actions to obtain monetary relief for employees alleging workplace violations; draft pleadings and manage discovery.
• 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; draft legal briefs and memos.
• Write public-facing materials about the laws OLPS enforces and related policy discussions.

Skills

Litigation experience

Leadership

Team collaboration

Government experience

Labor rights advocacy

Creative problem-solving

Job description

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 nearly 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need 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 Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Office of Labor Policy & Standards (“OLPS”) enforces the City’s worker protection laws, including the Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek scheduling laws that protect fast food and retail workers, and Delivery Worker Laws that protect delivery workers classified as independent contractors. We also administer the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA) program, which assists freelance workers who have experienced wage theft and other violations, and we bring pattern and practice litigation on behalf of freelancers against repeat violators. In July 2026, we will begin enforcing Local Law 52 of 2026, which protects Uber and Lyft drivers from wrongful deactivation. Under all laws we enforce, OLPS obtains monetary compensation for workers for violations and brings companies into compliance. Working closely with outside stakeholders, OLPS also advocates for new laws, performs research and data analysis to make policy recommendations, and conducts outreach and education to workers, employers, and the general public.

DCWP is seeking attorneys with experience and interest in issues affecting low-wage workers. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead complex investigations to develop evidence suited to litigation, in collaboration 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 who experience workplace violations; This includes 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; and
• Write public-facing materials about the laws OLPS enforces.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Minimum Qualifications

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

• 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 supporting 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 and
• The ability to problem-solve creatively.

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.