**This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week pursuant to the Flexible Work Pilot Program. ** The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering economic justice. DCWP leverages its authority to bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. Through licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, DCWP ensures fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses that are integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. DCWP is committed to making sure New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
DCWP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Counsel in the General Counsel Division, to enforce laws that protect NYC consumers and promote the Mayor’s affordability agenda. Staff Counsel will be responsible for initiating, investigating, and litigating cases at the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and New York state court against individuals and businesses that violate New York City’s licensing and consumer protection laws. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Staff Counsel responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Investigate and prosecute businesses engaged in illegal conduct;
- Identify unlawful conduct for potential investigation and litigation and develop investigation plan;
- Oversee regulatory compliance projects of businesses;
- Develop large scale regulatory enforcement plans;
- Perform legal research and draft memorandum on legal issues facing the agency;
- Draft general correspondence and legal documents to respondents, consumers and others;
- Conduct depositions and try cases on behalf of the agency at New York City’s administrative tribunal and state court;
- Draft and negotiate settlement agreements of enforcement proceedings initiated by attorneys and the agency’s field inspectors; and
- Participate in agency outreach and trainings for business and public education.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for these functions, as well as for special projects and assignments related to consumer or licensee issues or to DCWP’s operations.
In addition, as part of these functions, the Staff Counsel is responsible for careful case project management and operational tasks necessary to support and effectuate this work.
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
- Litigation experience, including in New York State courts and at the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH);
- Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills;
- Proficient in conducting legal research and undertaking factual investigations, including reviewing documents and conducting witness interviews and depositions;
- Demonstrated excellent legal research, writing skills and negotiation skills;
- Comfort with data-driven analysis and strategic planning;
- Attention to detail;
- Able to interact effectively with multi-functional teams comprised of attorney and non-attorney staff;
- Able to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines;
- References that can confirm legal skills; and
- Experience and knowledge in consumer protection laws, administrative law, and/or false advertising litigation is preferred, but not required.
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information
In addition, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Paid time off for vacation and personal leave
- Paid time off for sick leave
- A generous holiday package of up to 13 days Health Benefits
- Medical insurance plans
- Dental and vision insurance plans
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Financial and Savings Benefits
- 529 College Savings Plan
- Direct Deposit
- Flexible Spending Account Programs
- New York City Municipal Credit Union Savings Program
- Transit Benefit Programs Retirement and Pension Plans
- New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS) pension plan
- New York City Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) 401(k) and 457 plan Additional Benefits for Union Members
- Disability Insurance
- Health Club Reimbursements
- Life Insurance
- Supplemental Hospital Coverage
- Tuition Reimbursement *Please note only employees represented by a labor union may qualify for additional benefits provided by the union welfare fund. Student Loan Forgiveness
- DCWP qualifies as a public service employer, which means our employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. If you have federal student loans, you may be able to have your loans forgiven by working full-time in public service. To learn more about PSLF and its eligibility requirements, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program website. Employee Discounts
- Apple and Dell products
- Cell phones and plans
- Gym memberships
- Special pricing on event tickets through Barclay Center, Plum Benefits and Working Advantage
- And more!