Agency Attorney Interne

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a safer jail system without compromising public safety.

The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers and people in our custody.

Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities.

The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

The DOC seeks to recruit highly motivated Agency Attorney Internes to join the DOC’s Legal Division. The Legal Division serves as in-house counsel for the Department under the supervision of the General Counsel.

Agency Attorney Internes work under the supervision of Agency Attorneys and receive training and practical experience in all tasks performed in the DOC Legal Division. Attorneys in the Legal Division advise on a wide range of matters including legal, policy, operational, and administrative issues and Internes assist with the preliminary research, review, and investigation.

Agency Attorney Internes will assist with the diverse range of legal issues that may affect the Department of Correction. Duties of the Agency Attorney Internes include:

• Investigating and preparing responses to administrative complaints brought by employees involving violations of various equal employment statutes;
• Investigating, preparing responses to, and appearing on Article 78 petitions and Writs of Habeas Corpus;
• Educating and providing documents to counsel from the Law Department in order to defend lawsuits commenced against the DOC;
• Assisting in the review of internal policy changes;
• Researching and reviewing New York State and New York City correction laws and discussing with supervisors the legality of current and proposed practices and procedures;
• Providing advice and counsel to ensure the DOC meets statutory and regulatory requirements, including advising the DOC on, and interpreting, federal, state and local laws and regulations that affect or inform the Department’s work;
• Offering counsel and advice on a wide range of administrative, civil, criminal, commercial, and litigation affairs;
• Performing related duties as assigned. Preferred Skills
• Some prior exposure to litigation, either through an internship program, or prior employment experience.
• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, analytical research, problem-solving, multi-tasking and organizational skills.

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

• Some prior exposure to litigation, either through an internship program, or prior employment experience.
• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, analytical research, problem-solving, multi-tasking and organizational skills.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is a qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and their spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.