Assistant General Counsel - job 2 of 7

The Assistant General Counsel at the NYC Department of Design and Construction plays a vital role by reviewing and revising contract documents, supporting litigation efforts, advising on conflicts of interest, and managing public responses to legal requests. They are involved in various aspects of legal work including real estate issues, drafting funding agreements, and offering procurement guidance.

To be considered for the Assistant General Counsel position at the NYC Department of Design and Construction, candidates must graduate from an accredited U.S. law school and be admitted to the New York State Bar. Additionally, authorization to work in the United States is required, and candidates should not rely on sponsorship.

While prior experience in a legal role can be beneficial, the NYC Department of Design and Construction primarily focuses on candidates who have the appropriate qualifications from an accredited law school and have been admitted to the New York State Bar. Strong analytical and communication skills will also be critical to success in this role.

The Assistant General Counsel contributes significantly to public procurement by reviewing contract documents, ensuring compliance with approval requirements, and assisting with procurement appeals. They also draft opinions and facilitate decision processes that are critical to the agency’s construction and design work.

The work environment at the NYC Department of Design and Construction for an Assistant General Counsel is collaborative and inclusive, fostering a diverse workforce. Employees engage with a variety of legal challenges within a supportive team that values the contributions of all staff members and promotes continuous learning.

When answering this question, emphasize your passion for public service and your desire to contribute to significant projects that impact the city. Highlight your interest in the intersection of law and public infrastructure, and showcase how your background aligns with the agency's mission.

You should explain your previous roles where you examined legal contracts, specifying the types of contracts you worked with. Discuss how you ensured compliance, identified risks, and facilitated contract negotiations, demonstrating your attention to detail and legal acumen.

Illustrate your time management skills by discussing your methods for prioritizing tasks and managing your workload. Provide examples of situations where you successfully met tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality legal standards.

Detail your research process, including the legal databases you utilize and your methods for organizing findings. Mention how you synthesize legal information and provide insights to stakeholders clearly and effectively.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to narrate a specific challenging scenario. Focus on your critical thinking skills, how you approached the issue, the steps you took to resolve it, and the positive outcomes that followed.

Outline your familiarity with FOIL requirements and your approach to responding to public information requests. Discuss the importance of transparency, diligence in handling sensitive information, and how you coordinate with public relations.

Explain your approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating conflicts of interest. Share any experiences where you successfully navigated such issues, emphasizing the importance of ethics and accountability.

Discuss the critical advisory role legal counsel has in ensuring transparency, compliance, and fairness in public procurement. Highlight how legal guidance can protect the agency’s interests and promote best practices.

Provide a specific example of collaborating with a team on a legal project, focusing on your contributions and the team dynamics. Highlight the outcomes and how teamwork enhanced the project’s success.

Discuss key skills such as analytical thinking, communication, negotiation, and a strong understanding of construction law and public procurement. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your professional experience.