The Department of Social Services' Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Office of the General Counsel / Office of Legal Affairs is recruiting for an Agency Attorney II, in the Child Support Enforcement Term (CSET) of the Support and Lien Recovery Litigation Unit (SLRLU) to function as an Attorney II, who will work towards establishing paternity and child support orders in the family court. Under general supervision with latitude for independent and unreviewed action and decision, the Attorney II perform more sophisticated agency legal work in the Office of Legal Affairs.

- Provide legal assistance to HRA program areas by researching legal questions or problems, interpreting the intent and legal ramifications of, agreements, laws, rules and regulations related to the delivery of services.

- Draft legal documents: pleadings, motions, agreements, stipulations or judgments, including but no limited to objections, rebuttals, and affidavits in order to obtain successful outcomes from Agency litigation. Preparing legal memoranda/advisory opinions as requested.

- Represent the Commissioner in judicial proceedings: motions before the courts, trials and/or hearings, petitions, appeals, etc. to pursue or avert further litigation.

- Negotiate on behalf of the Agency in order to obtain contracts, settlements or judgments. May conduct legal discovery to obtain evidence and research more sophisticated legal issues by reviewing statutes, case law, regulations and other legal material to formulate legal arguments and strategy in furtherance of the Agency’s position.

- Provide guidance to other attorney staff members and support staff, including staff training on policy, practices and new procedures. May also review case files, recommending follow up action, and assuming full responsibility in absence of supervisor.

Work Location: 900 SHERIDAN AVE, BRONX, NY (Loc code: 1415)
Hours/Schedule: Monday through Friday 9am – 5 pm with flex

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.

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.