Senior Attorney/ Assistant Attorney 1,2,3 (NY HELPS) - 51014

About the role

The position involves reviewing legal documents, advising staff on litigation matters, and acting as a liaison between the Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the Attorney General in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Review legal papers (including subpoenas and levies) to determine appropriate responsive action.
• Evaluate requests for legal action from program staff and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Handle cases and subpoenas related to matters regulated or involving DOH.
• Prepare referral letters to the Attorney General and assist in developing the agency’s case.
• Act as a liaison between the Office of the Attorney General and DOH staff in defending and prosecuting lawsuits.
• Advise executive and program staff on litigation developments, court orders, and decisions, including their ramifications.
• Respond to requests for opinions and information concerning litigated matters from program staff.
• Assess litigation risk and advise Legal Affairs and program staff accordingly.
• Determine the agency’s position on legal issues and work with program staff to develop litigation strategies.
• Convey and advocate the agency’s position to the Attorney General’s office, ensuring persuasive representation.
• Prepare affidavits and other legal documents for proceedings.
• Facilitate responses to discovery demands, including conducting electronic discovery searches.
• Prepare DOH employees for depositions or testimony.
• Interface with other government agencies seeking DOH documents, testimony, or information.
• Maintain and update tracking, calendaring, and filing systems.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State (required for continued employment).
• Disbarment or loss of registration will result in termination or suspension of employment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Reassignment: Current NYS Department of Health (DOH) employee with permanent or contingent permanent status as an Assistant Attorney 1, NS; Assistant Attorney 2, NS; Assistant Attorney 3, NS; or Senior Attorney, G-25.
• Transfer: Current NYS employee with one year of permanent or contingent permanent competitive service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
• Ny Helps Assistant Attorney 1, NS: Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission.
• Assistant Attorney 2, NS: Admission to NYS Bar.
• Assistant Attorney 3, NS: 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience.
• Senior Attorney, Grade 25: 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience.

This position may be filled at the Senior Attorney level or one of the Assistant Attorney traineeship levels, depending on the candidate’s qualifications. It may also be designated 55-b/c, subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong legal writing, oral communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and make sound decisions in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills for managing multiple tasks.
• Highly motivated with an interest in working on public health-related legal matters in a collaborative team setting.

Benefits

The position offers a generous benefits package worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday and paid time off.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Pension from the New York State Employees’ Retirement System.
• Shift and geographic pay differentials.
• Affordable health care options.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan.
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds.

Pay

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate of the position (beginning of the salary range). Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.