Homelessness Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (HLPCU) provides counseling and litigation support to the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) at all levels of the Agency, from intake to transitional housing, from prevention to street homelessness, and to any programs developed or run by the Agency. HLPCU represents its various programs in Supreme Court, Civil Courts, and Administrative Court settings, and provides litigation support to the City’s Law Department on major litigation against the Agency including class action lawsuits. The unit also handles program counsel to various Agency divisions, and handles internal legal conferences concerning eligibility determinations or transfer decisions amongst shelters. HLPCU also addresses routine legal matters for DHS concerning subpoenas, notices of claim, and records access.

The Office of the General Counsel of Legal Affairs (OLA) is recruiting for an Agency Attorney III within the Homeless Litigation and Program Counseling Unit (HLPCU) who will:

- Supervise subordinate attorney staff and support staff and/or oversee the work or provide guidance to other attorney staff and legal support staff in preparing the proper legal responses. May monitor time and leave and may provide staff training and development on policy, practice and new procedures.

- Draft intricate documents such as pleadings, motions, statements, contractual agreements and provisions in conjunction with court orders, agreements, stipulations, services to be delivered, or judgments; protect the City against potential liability, alternatively reviewing and analyzing city, state and federal law to make recommendations concerning the effect thereby.

- Provide legal counseling and assistance to HRA/DSS/DHS program areas and departments by researching legal aspects of issues, questions or problems, interpreting the intent and legal ramifications of laws relating to the delivery of services.

- Represent the Commissioner in judicial proceedings, appearing on motions before the courts, hearings, petitions, appeals etc. to prosecute or resolve) litigation in difficult cases. May conduct difficult negotiations on behalf of the City, in order, to obtain contracts and/or settlements that are fair, equitable and ultimately advance and/or protect the City's interests.

- Perform other related tasks.

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.

- Strong oral and written advocacy skills. - Knowledge of proper courtroom etiquette, temporary housing regulations and case law and civil procedure. - Ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the agency. - Strong basic legal research and writing ability and time management discipline.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.