Staff Counsel

About the role

The General Counsel Division at DCWP seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Counsel in the Legal Counsel Unit. The Legal Counsel Unit provides advice and counsel to DCWP divisions, supports implementation of new laws, advises on complex multi-stakeholder license categories, and drafts DCWP contracts and agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance to DCWP staff and management on new and existing laws and regulations;
• Assist with all aspects of implementing new and amended laws, including drafting rules in accordance with the City’s rulemaking process, and drafting DCWP charges, checklists, and penalty schedules necessary to implement and enforce such laws;
• Serve as DCWP’s subject matter expert on issues related to specific industries regulated by DCWP;
• Address legal issues arising from DCWP’s licensing, collections, and enforcement work;
• Draft memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents as necessary;
• Communicate with external parties, including licensees, complainants, stakeholders, and sister agencies;
• Occasionally bring charges against businesses at the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), and/or draft denial or revocation letters for applicants or licensees in certain license categories; and,
• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements for civil penalties and consumer restitution.

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

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong aptitude for research, due diligence and attention to detail, to ensure accuracy of work product;
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, set priorities and work quickly, efficiently and independently, without sacrificing quality;
• Excellent editing skills and appreciation of rigorous standards for written work;
• Impeccable legal judgment, problem solving skills and ability to resolve issues in a diplomatic and expedient fashion;
• Interest in or experience in government or public sector work;
• Interest in working in a hands-on âroll up your sleevesâ atmosphere.