Senior Attorney/Assistant Attorney 1/2/3 (NY HELPS) WCB Item #3026

About the role

Under the direction of an Associate Attorney, the Senior Attorney reviews case files, analyzes evidence, conducts legal research, and drafts Proposed Memorandums of Decision (PMOD’s) in response to appeals filed under the Workers’ Compensation Law, Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law, and the Volunteer Ambulance Workers’ Benefit Law.

The Senior Attorney prepares PMOD’s in accordance with current case law and WCB policies and procedures, reviews and resolves relevant issues and the contentions of the parties, consults legal research tools, provides legal analysis, and reaches a recommended conclusion. PMOD’s are submitted electronically for proof-reading and then for review by the designated Associate Attorney.

Senior Attorneys may be assigned to special projects in accordance with the needs of the office and/or may draft and present instructive presentations for CLE credit. All Senior Attorneys may attend internal CLE’s presented by the Board, with supervisory approval.

This position requires both in-office and remote work. A hybrid telecommuting schedule can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.

Responsibilities

• Review case files and analyze evidence.
• Conduct legal research and draft Proposed Memorandums of Decision (PMOD’s).
• Prepare PMOD’s in accordance with current case law and WCB policies and procedures.
• Address and resolve relevant issues and the contentions of the parties.
• Consult legal research tools, provide legal analysis, and reach recommended conclusions.
• Submit PMOD’s electronically for proof-reading and review by the designated Associate Attorney.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Draft and present instructive presentations for CLE credit.
• Attend internal CLE’s presented by the Board, with supervisory approval.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet the non-competitive minimum qualifications listed below. Appointment title will be dependent upon qualifications of the candidate selected.

• Assistant Attorney 1 – Law School Graduation (or other eligibility to take the NYS Bar Examination). Starting salary $70,951.
• Assistant Attorney 2 – Admission to NYS Bar. Starting salary $78,193.
• Assistant Attorney 3 – One year as Assistant Attorney 2 or admission to the NYS Bar and one year of subsequent professional legal experience. Starting salary $86,326.
• Senior Attorney – Admission to the NYS Bar and two years of post-licensure professional legal experience. Starting salary $100,336.

Individuals certified eligible for the 55b/c program under the Governor’s Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55b/c of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must meet the minimum qualifications and provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response.

Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 52.6, 70.1, or 70.4 of the Civil Service Law. 70.4 transfer candidates must have one year of permanent competitive service in a position allocated to a SG-16 or higher, possess a bachelor’s degree, and have standing on the Legal Specialties exam list.

Benefits

• Holiday & Paid Time Off:
  • Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
  • Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days for M/C.
  • Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
• Health Care Benefits:
  • Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
  • Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • Enrollment in the New York State pension system or Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
  • NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
  • Eligibility for various life insurance options.
  • Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Program.
  • Flexible Spending Program for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.