The Public Advocate, an independently elected public official, serves as a direct link between city government and residents, acting as a “watchdog” for New Yorkers. The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council, an ex officio member of all Council committees and introduces and co-sponsors legislation. The Public Advocate serves on various City committees and appoints members to several boards and commissions. The Office of the New York City Public Advocate reviews and investigates residents’ complaints about City services and administrative actions, assists people having difficulty receiving City services, assesses whether City agencies are responsive to the public, and recommends legislative or policy proposals to address identified service deficiencies.
The Office of the New York City Public Advocate is seeking to fill an Associate General Counsel position in its Office of the General Counsel. Applicants must be admitted to the New York State bar.
Principal Duties: -Providing litigation and general legal support to the Deputy and General Counsel; -Researching and interpreting laws, statutes, rules, regulations; -Responding to legal inquiries from staff on New York City local and administrative law; -Assisting with administrative proceedings; -Researching and monitoring a wide variety of legal issues relating to Federal, New York State and New York City legal and legislative matters that seek to address critical issues impacting NYC residents; -Consulting and collaborating with internal and external partners, including advocates, experts, government officials, and others on legal and policy matters relating to - education and opportunity, employment, healthy equity, housing equity, immigration, infrastructure and environmental justice, and justice and public safety; -Serving as Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer, which includes managing and responding to FOIL requests; -Handling other matters in the General Counsel’s Office as may be assigned Preferred Qualifications: -3 - 5+ years of legal experience.
-Demonstrated commitment to public service and to the mission and vision of the Public Advocate.
-Excellent research, organizational, analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
-Strong knowledge about New York City government structure and its agencies and NYS/NYC state/local government matters. Familiarity with the New York City Charter, Administrative Code and Rules of New York City.
-Ability to rapidly prioritize as well as execute while demonstrating good judgment in confidential and complex matters.
-Experience working with diverse communities.
-Reliable, conscientious and a team player.
-Ability to establish effective working relationships.
-Prior experience in Immigration law is preferred for this position.
-Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is a plus.
-Admitted to the New York State Bar and in good standing.
-Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
New York City residency is generally 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. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.