ATTORNEY II

About the role

The Support and Lien Recovery Litigation Unit (SLRLU) provides litigation services and legal counsel to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) and the Investigation, Revenue and Enforcement Administration (IREA) in accord with Federal, State and City laws and regulations. SLRLU represents the agency in state court actions to establish paternity and support orders on behalf of DSS and assert liens and claims against Public Assistance and Medicaid recipients' personal injury awards and estate assets. SLRLU defends the agency in state court actions filed against it for its administrative and lien recovery enforcement actions and regularly consults with the NYC Law Department as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal assistance to HRA and DHS program areas by researching legal questions or problems, interpreting the intent and legal ramifications of, agreements, laws, rules and regulations related to Medicaid Liens or Claims.
• Draft legal documents: pleadings, motions, agreements, contracts or statements in order to obtain court agreements, stipulations or judgments, including but not limited to: objections, rebuttals, and affidavits in order to obtain successful outcomes for Agency litigation.
• Prepare legal memoranda / advisory opinions as requested.
• Represent the Commissioner in judicial proceedings, citywide: motions before the courts, trials and/or hearings, petitions, appeals, etc. to pursue or avert further litigation.
• Negotiate on behalf of the Agency in order to obtain contracts, settlements or judgments.
• May conduct legal discovery to obtain evidence and research more sophisticated legal issues by reviewing statutes, case law, regulations and other legal material to formulate legal arguments and strategy in furtherance of the Agency's position.
• May provide guidance to other attorney staff members and support staff, including staff training on policy, practices and new procedures.
• May also review case files, recommending follow up action, and assuming full responsibility in absence of supervisor.
• Perform other related tasks.

Requirements

• 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).

Preferred Skills

• Strong oral and written advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of proper courtroom etiquette, personal injury and Medicaid recovery law, estate law and civil procedure.
• Strong ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the agency.
• Superior legal research and writing ability and time management discipline.
• Prior experience as a supervisor or mentor.
• 3 years of legal experience in civil litigation.