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Assistant General Counsel - job 1 of 3

Job Description

The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals is a critical component of the City’s regulation of land use, development, and construction in New York City. The Board is an independent, administrative review body, with the power to grant relief to landowners whose property is deemed unduly restricted by the City’s Zoning Resolution and Building Code. The Board is composed of five full-time commissioners appointed by the Mayor. The Board’s staff includes an executive director, general counsel, and plan examiners.

The Board’s mandate includes providing expert review of zoning variance and special permit applications; appeals to determinations made by the Department of Buildings and Fire Department based on legal doctrine; revocations or modifications of certificates of occupancy; and waivers from other laws, including the Multiple Dwelling Law and the General City Law.

Responsibilities:

Under supervision of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel will:

- Draft decisions for adoption by the Board.
- Analyze and identify complicated legal issues, conduct independent research, and prepare memoranda of law.
- Review applications for development projects and appeals to zoning determinations.
- Meet with applicants on proposed development projects and advise on legal parameters.
- Liaison with other agencies, including the Department of Buildings and the City’s Law Department.
- Draft responses to inquiries from applicants and members of the public.
- Attend all public meetings of the Board.
- Advise staff members on agency rules of procedure and other legal matters; and
- Perform other legal duties as directed by the General Counsel or Executive Director.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Qualifications

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.

Additional Information

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.

Average salary estimate

$100000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$80000K
$120000K

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What You Should Know About Assistant General Counsel, City of New York

Join the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals as an Assistant General Counsel, and play a vital role in shaping the landscape of New York City! This position offers an incredible opportunity to dive into complex legal issues while working closely with a talented team dedicated to the regulation of land use and development. Under the supervision of the General Counsel, your key responsibilities will include drafting decisions for the Board, analyzing intricate legal challenges, and conducting independent legal research. You'll also review applications for development projects and meet with applicants to offer valuable legal guidance. Collaborating with other city agencies like the Department of Buildings will be essential, as will attending public meetings to ensure transparency and understanding. To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be admitted to the New York State Bar and have some relevant legal experience, either through a prior position or internship. The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals is looking for someone passionate about law,development, and public service – if that’s you, let’s make the city we love even better together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Assistant General Counsel Role at City of New York
What are the responsibilities of an Assistant General Counsel at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals?

The Assistant General Counsel at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals is responsible for drafting decisions, analyzing intricate legal issues, and conducting independent research. You'll review applications, advise applicants on legal parameters, liaise with agencies, and attend public meetings to offer legal insights. Meeting with applicants directly to discuss their proposed development projects is also a key part of the role.

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What qualifications are required for the Assistant General Counsel position at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals?

To qualify for the Assistant General Counsel role at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals, you must be a member of the New York State Bar and possess relevant legal experience. This includes having at least one year of legal practice following your admission or six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Intern. Additional experience will enable advancement to higher assignment levels.

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How does the Assistant General Counsel interact with other departments within New York City?

In the role of Assistant General Counsel at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals, you'll interact with several departments, including the Department of Buildings and the City’s Law Department. This collaboration is vital for addressing zoning variances and ensuring compliance with legal standards, making effective communication and teamwork essential.

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What kind of legal matters will the Assistant General Counsel handle?

The Assistant General Counsel will handle a variety of legal matters, including zoning variance applications, special permits, appeals to determinations made by regulatory bodies, and modifications of certificates of occupancy. The position demands a keen understanding of land use law and regulatory compliance to navigate these complex issues effectively.

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What is the working environment like for an Assistant General Counsel at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals?

The working environment for an Assistant General Counsel at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals is dynamic and collaborative, fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. The Board aims to provide a supportive atmosphere that encourages professional growth and teamwork while maintaining a commitment to public service and community engagement.

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Common Interview Questions for Assistant General Counsel
Can you explain a complex legal issue you've recently worked on?

When answering this question, reference a recent legal challenge you encountered, emphasizing your analytical skills and approach to problem-solving. Discuss how you conducted research, collaborated with colleagues, and ultimately how your efforts contributed to the resolution.

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How do you prioritize multiple projects and deadlines?

Illustrate your time management strategy by discussing tools you use to stay organized, like digital calendars or project management software. Mention the importance of communication with stakeholders and setting clear milestones to ensure all responsibilities are addressed timely.

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What interests you about working with the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals?

Share your passion for land use law and public service. Highlight how you admire the Board's role in ensuring fair and equitable development while navigating regulatory landscapes. Show enthusiasm for contributing to such impactful work within the NYC community.

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How would you approach drafting a legal response to an inquiry?

Discuss your method for analyzing inquiries, researching relevant laws or precedents, and seeking clarification if necessary. Emphasize your ability to craft clear, concise, and legally sound responses that address the inquiry's specific concerns.

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Describe a time when you had to manage a difficult approval process.

Provide an example where you successfully navigated a complex approval process. Discuss the challenges faced, how you liaised between parties, and the strategies you employed to resolve any conflicts, ultimately leading to approval.

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What steps do you take to ensure compliance with legal standards in your work?

Explain your commitment to staying updated with legal changes and best practices. Mention participating in continuing education, regularly consulting with senior attorneys, and reviewing agency procedures to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

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How would you handle conflicts between agency policies and legal requirements?

Demonstrate your ability to balance agency policies with legal requirements by providing a thoughtful analysis of scenario considerations. Discuss your step-by-step approach to finding a resolution and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure adherence.

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What experience do you have with agency procedures and public meetings?

Share your background attending public meetings or advising on agency procedures. Highlight how you effectively communicate complex legal issues to non-legal audiences, ensuring clarity and understanding among participants.

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Can you discuss your experience working with zoning laws?

Mention any specific experiences dealing with zoning applications, variances, or related legal matters. Provide anecdotes that illustrate your understanding of zoning laws, how they affect development, and your contributions to successful outcomes.

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Why is teamwork important in a legal environment like the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals?

Articulate how teamwork fosters diverse perspectives that contribute to thorough legal analysis. Emphasize that collaboration leads to best practices, enhances decision-making, and creates a supportive atmosphere vital for public service work.

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Our Mission To work to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality-of-life of New York City’s diverse older adults, and for the support of their caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. Strategic Goals To foster independence...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 5, 2025

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