Agency Description

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building a fairer economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

Division Description

The Office of Legal Counsel provides legal support to all SBS programs, initiatives and divisions. Under the supervision of the General Counsel, and the Deputy General Counsels, the Office of Legal Counsel ensures that SBS programs are operating efficiently and comply with all applicable Federal, State, and City laws, rules and regulations.


Job Description:

Under the supervision and direction of the Deputy General Counsels and the General Counsel, the Agency Attorney/Associate General Counsel is expected to:

Participate in meetings with staff and conduct research of Federal, State and City laws, rules, regulations and programs and provide recommendations and interpretations of law to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations;

Review, draft and negotiate various procurement solicitations, contracts and agreements with outside vendors and entities, including contracts and agreements with federal funding requirements for City Law Department review and approval and communicate contract review process/procedures to SBS program divisions;

Review and draft rules, legislation and policies relating to workforce development initiatives, small business services, M/WBE and neighborhood development programs, and general economic development and other SBS programs;

Assist division staff with the M/WBE appeals and decision process; draft opinions, present facts and decisions to Deputies, General Counsel and M/WBE program staff; and

Assist the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel with other assignments and projects as needed, including Freedom of Information Law requests, Conflicts of Interest matters, regulatory/permit matters, employment, EEO and disciplinary issues, administrative hearings, litigation support, nonprofit governance, audits and other legal and programmatic matters that may arise.

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. 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.

Demonstrated excellent research, analytical and writing skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Demonstrated experience/familiarity with City employment/EEO/disciplinary matters, procurement and contracting, economic or community development programs, federal, New York state or local government regulations, municipal law or a related field.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.