*** This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed with the City ***

***To Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to dcwpjobs@dcwp.nyc.gov with the Job ID number and Position Name in the subject line***

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCWP licenses more than 45,000 businesses in more than 40 industries and enforces key consumer protection, licensing, and workplace laws that apply to countless more. By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources and, by helping to resolve complaints, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance. Through its community outreach and the work of its offices of Financial Empowerment and Labor Policy & Standards, DCWP empowers consumers and working families by providing the tools and resources they need to be educated consumers and to achieve financial health and work-life balance. DCWP also conducts research and advocates for public policy that furthers its work to support New York City’s communities. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp or on its social media sites, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

DCWP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Counsel. This individual will be responsible for litigation related to debt collection agencies and consumer debt in general, to combat illegal conduct and deceptive trade practices, and participate in enforcement of New York City’s licensing and consumer protection laws. The Staff Counsel will be responsible for industry-wide investigations and enforcement against businesses that violate the law, from inception to the resolution of matters, including representing the agency at proceedings before the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) tribunal or New York State Court. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel for the Affirmative and Licensing Litigation Unit, Staff Counsel responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Making initial determinations as to whether matters should be investigated, determining legal theories and plans for investigations;

- Conducting investigations and preparing cases for trial by securing and preparing evidence, conferring with witnesses, participating in conferences, examining and cross-examining witnesses, conducting oral arguments before New York Supreme Court or OATH, and drafting legal documents needed during the various stages of litigation;

- Drafting legal documents and correspondence to licensees, businesses and their attorneys, other government agencies, respondents, the OATH tribunal, consumers, and third parties; and

- Assisting in education and outreach, rule promulgation, and strategic planning, drafting memorandum on discrete legal issues, and performing additional tasks as needed.

This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic team that strives to effectuate change and pursue matters that affect millions of New York City residents, particularly in the debt collection area. 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.

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 verbal, written, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills - Proficiency in conducting legal research and undertaking factual investigations, including reviewing documents and conducting witness interviews - Demonstrated excellent legal research, writing skills and negotiation skills - Comfort with data-driven analysis and strategic planning - Ability to effectively interact with multi-functional teams comprised of attorney and non-attorney staff - Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines - Litigation experience, including in New York State courts and before OATH - References that can confirm legal skills and - Experience and knowledge in consumer protection laws or administrative law is preferred.

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.