Intake Counsel

The Commission on Human Rights (the “Commission”) is the City agency charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (“City Human Rights Law”), one of the most expansive civil rights laws in the nation, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission investigates, litigates, and adjudicates claims of discrimination brought by the public. Where the Commission finds unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation have occurred, it obtains compensation to victims, orders companies to take corrective action, and can assess civil penalties.

The Commission also engages in training and education to ensure New Yorkers understand their rights and responsibilities under City law.

The Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Intake Counsel to Infoline, the agency’s call center. The Counsel will provide legal guidance and support to Infoline staff responsible for assisting members of the public, assessing potential claims of discrimination, and identifying matters that may fall within the jurisdiction of the New York City Human Rights Law.

Job Description: The Intake Counsel will help manage the process by which OCRE enforces the New York City Human Rights Law through the assessment of claims, review of complaints, and support of pre-complaint intervention work of alleged violations filed by members of the public.

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner and OCRE senior leadership, and in close partnership with the Director of Infoline, the Intake Counsel will:

• Review Infoline staff assessments of potential claims and provide guidance regarding jurisdiction, potential violations of the NYCHRL, and appropriate next steps.
• Review and approve draft complaints for filing to ensure that allegations are clearly articulated and identify potential violations of the NYCHRL.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with New Yorkers seeking information or services, community-based organizations, across departments, and with coworkers and supervisors by email, phone and in person.
• Serve as a legal resource for Infoline staff in selecting matters for routing towards Pre-Complaint Intervention, fast track intake, or other priority placement.
• Support Infoline frontline staff in conducting Pre-Complaint Interventions, including acting as a backup in negotiations and reviewing draft stipulations and orders.
• Support OCRE by helping to maintain continuity within the OCRE database by identifying issues, backfilling or correcting entries and developing training techniques to address user deficiencies.
• Work with Infoline Director to organize and staff intake clinics with community partners.
• Juggle short and long-term assignments in fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
• Organize staff meetings; represent Infoline and Intake at inter-departmental meetings.
• Create and update training and process materials and participate in training programs, conferences, and other LEB activities as requested.
• Organize, create and maintain digital and paper filing system.
• Deliver meticulous data entry at a fast pace and check own work for accuracy.
• Provide support and assistance to Infoline Director, OCRE Assistant Commissioner, and OCRE Deputy Commissioner, including scheduling meetings, answering or directing email, directing calls and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Performs all duties as needed to advance the work of OCRE and all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements: To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Skills

• At least two years of legal experience in working in legal services, in anti-discrimination law, poverty law, or on a legal hotline.
• Proven ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously, track deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong legal research, analysis and issue spotting skills, including the ability to assess complex factual circumstance and determine whether potential claims fall within the jurisdiction of the NYCHRL.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential, and complex matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing conflict or distress, while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across different teams, including attorneys, investigators, intake professionals, interventionists, and agency leadership.
• Familiarity with the NYCHRL.
• Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and five years of experience working with some of the following people and communities: low-income tenants, recipients of public assistance, immigrants; people of color; people with limited English proficiency; people living with HIV/AIDS; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people; people with disabilities; people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion; and people with criminal or arrest histories.
• Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position