Staff Counsel

**This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program. **

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCWP licenses nearly 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCWP also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City’s communities. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The General Counsel Division at DCWP seeks an attorney to serve in a Staff Counsel in the Legal Counsel Unit. The Legal Counsel Unit is responsible for providing advice and counsel to DCWP divisions, providing legal support to implement new laws, advising on complex multi-stakeholder license categories, and drafting DCWP contracts and agreements.

Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, the Staff Counsel will:

• Conduct legal research related to new and existing laws and regulations;
• Assist with 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;
• Research and address legal issues arising from DCWP’s licensing, collections and enforcement work;
• Draft memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents as necessary; and,
• As needed, assist with other assignments within the General Counsel Division, which may include drafting contracts.
  
  

As needed, the Staff Counsel may 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. In connection with these matters, and others, the Staff Counsel may negotiate and draft settlement agreements for civil penalties and consumer restitution.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for these functions, as well as for special projects and assignments related to consumer or licensee issues or to DCWP’s operations. In addition, as part of these functions, the Staff Counsel is responsible for careful case project management and operational tasks necessary to support and effectuate this work

AGENCY ATTORNEY INTERNE - 30086

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills - Proficient in conducting legal research and undertaking factual investigations, including reviewing documents and conducting witness interviews and depositions - Demonstrated excellent legal research, writing skills and negotiation skills - Comfort with data-driven analysis and strategic planning - Able to effectively interact with multi-functional teams comprised of attorney and non-attorney staff - Able to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines - References that can confirm legal skills.
  
  

Residency Requirement

PLEASE NOTE: New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment. However, City employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.