Mediation Program Attorney

The New York City Commission on Human Rights seeks to help New York City become a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination. The Commission enforces the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), develops policy initiatives, and engages in outreach and educational efforts to inform New Yorkers of their rights and promote compliance with the NYCHRL across all aspects of NYC life.

In enforcing the NYCHRL, the Commission uses investigations, litigation, and other tools to address allegations of discrimination, and proactively identifies patterns of discrimination through testing employers, housing providers, and providers of public accommodation.

The Commission also offers a free and voluntary mediation program that provides a neutral and empowering process for all parties to facilitate a quick, efficient, and mutually acceptable resolution of claims at various stages of the enforcement process. The Commission seeks an experienced Mediation Program Attorney, who will report to the Commission’s Director of Mediation and help ensure access to high-quality mediation services for members of the public.

Job Duties

• Conducting mediations of human rights complaints referred by the Commission’s Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE). This entails pre-mediation factual and legal analysis of complaint allegations, defenses, and party positions; legal research as needed; timely communications with parties and/or their attorneys to explain mediation processes, secure required participation agreements, and clarify negotiating positions; conducting joint virtual and in-person mediation sessions and shuttle negotiations between parties in mediation; and assisting parties with drafting settlement agreements for matters resolved in mediation.
• Careful, timely, and accurate mediation case management, including successful handling of competing and overlapping deadlines in a high-volume mediation docket across all case stages.
• Scheduling of and logistics management of video, telephone, and in-person meetings to process cases in mediation.
• Reporting of mediation data as needed and requested by the Director and/or the Commissioner.
• Assisting with other duties to advance the Commission’s mediation program, operations, and overall mission as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

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

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated familiarity with the Commission’s work and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and a strong commitment to advancing the same.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to serving low-income and vulnerable NYC populations across the protected categories of the NYCHRL.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to ensuring compliance with New York City law by employers, housing providers, and other business entities or organizations.
• At least five years of experience in the practice of law.
• Whether as a neutral or representing parties, at least three years’ experience as an attorney with mediation, investigation, and/or litigation in matters involving employment, housing, public accommodations, or other civil or human rights subject areas under federal, New York State, and/or New York City anti-discrimination law.
• At least three years’ experience as an attorney with contract drafting, particularly in the context of dispute resolution.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent legal research abilities.
• Excellent analytical and persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent case management and docketing skills, including the ability to successfully manage a large number of cases with competing and overlapping deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated success working collaboratively with colleagues, clients, attorneys, and supervisors.
• Experience successfully handling complex, high-stakes, confidential matters in a timely fashion.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, show sensitivity and respect, and maintain even-keeled temperament in situations of high tension and with individuals from all walks of life.
• Strong preference for candidates who have proficiency in one of the top six non-English languages spoken in New York City.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position