Agency Attorney Interne

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city’s Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and contemporary inequities to cultivate a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.

Through training, education, and policy initiatives, the Commission aims to root out discrimination. The Commission proactively identifies patterns of discrimination through testing employers, housing providers, and providers of public accommodation. The Commission also uses investigations, litigation, and other enforcement tools to address allegations of discrimination.

The Commission is seeking Agency Attorney Internes to join our Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) department. Agency Attorney Internes work within the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) department to enforce the New York City Human Rights Law through pre-complaint interventions, investigations, mediations, settlements, and litigation.

Job Description:

• Interviews members of the public alleging claims of discrimination; engaging in pre-complaint interventions, investigations, and files complaints where appropriate.
• Investigates claims of discrimination made by members of the public and pattern or practice violations for potential Commission-initiated action.
• Negotiates resolutions of claims and drafts settlement agreements. Monitors compliance with settlement agreements.
• Litigate cases from a threshold of determination of probable cause through and including referral to the hearings division.
• May represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge at conferences, and engages in discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
• May litigate cases at trial through and including issuance of an Administrative Law Judge recommendation and issuance of Commission order.
• Represents the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and at bar associations.
• Performs all duties as needed to advance the work of the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) department.

Special Note:

This class of positions has a maximum two-year term.

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

Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and experience working with some of the following people and communities: immigrants; people of color; people with limited English proficiency; people living with HIV/AIDS; lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people; people with disabilities; people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion; and people with criminal or arrest histories.

• Must be well-organized, assertive, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong work ethic.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong people skills and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with the NYCHRL.
• Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York City.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position