Associate General Counsel and Records Access Officer

About the role

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is 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. The 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the agency's FOIL/Records Access Officer, interacting with requestors, maintaining logs of requests, coordinating the collection of potentially responsive records, reviewing for disclosure or exemption from disclosure, drafting dispositions, coordinating with outside agencies and the Law Department as necessary, and maintaining current research and information on case law regarding the Freedom of Information Law.
• Assist with other aspects of the General Counsel Unit’s work, including responding to subpoena and litigation requests; 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.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited law school and New York State Bar admission.
• At least one year of relevant legal experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Highest professional and ethical standards.

Preferred Skills

• Three or more years of legal experience at a government agency, private law firm, or similar organization involving relevant work related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Previous experience responding to Freedom of Information Law requests or other document requests.
• Previous experience conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, and drafting reports 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.

Benefits

The City of New York offers Public Service Loan Forgiveness and 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.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A