Senior Attorney / Assistant Attorney 1 / 2 / 3 - NY HELPS

About the role

The Senior Attorney will report to the Section Chief for the Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS), Chemical Bulk Storage (CBS) and Spills Section in the Bureau of Remediation. The Senior Attorney will provide legal advice and represent the Department in administrative enforcement actions and other negotiations pertaining to the PBS and CBS programs and Spill cleanups. The Attorney will also represent the Department’s interests and coordinate in related cost recovery efforts referred to the Attorney General’s office in conjunction with the Oil Spill Fund at the Comptroller’s office.

Responsibilities

• Manage and organize a busy docket of cases, primarily PBS registration violations, and regularly draft and submit default motions to an Administrative Law Judge.
• Provide legal guidance and support to program staff when preparing programs to support the Bureau’s objectives.
• Assist in promulgation of proposed rules and guidance, and their implementation and defense after promulgation.
• Conduct legal research on bureau-related issues, reading and analyzing all pertinent laws, regulations, and other relevant authorities.
• Initiate meetings with appropriate staff to gather specific information to determine when it is appropriate to draft legal documents, such as proposed regulations, proposed policies, litigation papers, complaints, consent orders, summary abatement orders, subpoenas, pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Conduct independent legal and factual research to identify and support negotiation positions.
• Meet with program staff to review and develop strategies to meet program goals and policy objectives.
• Meet with outside parties as necessary to pursue negotiations.
• Conduct all activities in accordance with professional ethical standards.

Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

• Graduate of an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree and/or be eligible to take the New York State Bar examination. If you are not admitted to the NYS Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated.
• Eligibility for appointment through one of the following pathways:
  • Reassignment: Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.
  • Reinstatement Eligible: Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
  • Transfer Eligible: One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 16 or higher and either:
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications.
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6: Must have current or prior service in a title designated as 52.6 within two salary grades/one M grade of this position.
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Senior Attorney or Senior Attorney Realty.
  • 55b/c candidates: Must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.

Benefits

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & 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 (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. 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.

Schedule

Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule; will be discussed at interview.