Reporting directly to a Assistant Commissioner, SG-NS in the Prosecutions Unit of the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR), the Associate Counsel, SG-NS will assume the role of Director of Prosecutions. The incumbent will work closely with attorneys at DHR to oversee the daily operation of the Prosecutions Unit in the administrative litigation of discrimination complaints within all of the jurisdictions on behalf of the Division, post probable cause determination through settlement or Public Hearing to ensure that all cases are handled efficiently and effectively.
- Supervises a large team of attorneys, Excelsior fellows, legal interns, and other members of the Unit; provides legal guidance and support; assigns cases; advises attorneys on strategy for conferences, hearings, and settlements; and reviews attorneys’ written submissions to ensure legal and factual accuracy and uniformity. Performs evaluations of attorney work product.
- Communicates regularly with the Associate Deputy Commissioner of Prosecutions to coordinate Unit activities, prepare reports, and analyze statistics on the progress of cases.
- Contributes to the strategic direction of the unit, evaluates the Unit’s needs, identifies necessary improvements and policy and ensures that best practices are followed.
- Identifies and implement /unit management and accountability practices to improve performance of the unit staff.
- Sets performance standards, provides routine feedback as well as coaching/counseling, and issue disciplinary action as needed.
- Reinforces and maintains compliance with Division policy and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four (4) years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum 7 years of law practice.
- 3-5 years of supervision of attorneys, preferably with oversight of prosecutors;
- Strong research and writing skills.
- Litigation experience, preferably in administrative proceedings.
- Experience in organizational design and process mapping as well as establishing performance-based metrics for attorneys and/or programmatic work;
- A proven interest and commitment to issues relative to civil rights, employment law, or public interest law;
- Strong and demonstrable interpersonal, communication and leadership skills; and
- Able to evaluate conflicting demands and prioritize workload.