Job details

ATTORNEY INTERNE

Job Description

The Employment Law Unit provides litigation and counseling services throughout the Agency with respect to employment and labor issues. Employment Law prosecutes employee disciplinary and fitness hearings before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings [OATH]; handles appeals before the City Civil Service Commission [CSC]; serves as counsel to the Agency’s Human Resources Solutions [HRS]]; and represents the Agency at Federal, state, and city Equal Employment Opportunity hearings and trials through a special designation from the Law Department. Employment Law Unit responds to all records access requests both pursuant to the FOIL statute and those requested under other applicable laws and rules.

The Office of General Counsel is requesting to recruit for an Agency Attorney Interne to function within the Employment Law Unit of the Office of Legal Affairs, who will:

Under close supervision of a Supervising or Senior Attorney, with some latitude for independent judgment and un-reviewed action and decision, performs legal work, including the following:

- Collect and analyze evidence of employee misconduct under Section 75 of the Civil Service Law and unfitness to perform job duties under section 72 of the Civil Service Law;

- Draft disciplinary charges and draft summaries of employees’ unfitness for City medical examiners;

- Prepare cases for trial and argue them at internal hearings and before administrative bodies, participate in interviews of witnesses and subjects;

- Determine the advisability of presenting witnesses, admissibility of types of evidence and matters of legal strategy;

- Determine which legal and/or other questions require more legal analysis or review and refer them with appropriate memoranda to the proper authority;

- Recommend settlements and negotiate, draft and process stipulations of settlement; conduct legal research and prepare briefs, memoranda and other documents;

- Assist in by evaluating employment candidates for hire for HRS department, including employment background checks and prior criminal arrests/convictions history. Prepare Fair Chance Act assessment for prior convictions, where applicable. Also evaluate candidate employment authorization documents, such as for resident and non-resident aliens, to determine if initial employment or continued employment is consistent with federal law.

- Investigate and respond to charges of discrimination filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, New York State Division of Human Rights and New York City Commission on Human Rights by preparing position statements based on facts and applicable law;

- Attend arbitrations and act as liaison with the New York City Office of Labor Relations; also serve as liaison with the New York City Law Department on lawsuits involving employment discrimination and discipline;

- Collaborate with other DSS divisions and program areas, including but not limited to HRS and Office of Equal Employment Opportunity; and

- Advise on legal aspects of enforcement and administration of acts, rules, laws and regulations.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

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.

What You Should Know About ATTORNEY INTERNE, City of New York

Are you passionate about employment law and eager to make a difference in the public sector? The City of New York is looking for a dedicated Attorney Interne to join our Employment Law Unit within the Office of Legal Affairs. In this role, you'll have the fantastic opportunity to work under the guidance of seasoned attorneys while navigating a variety of challenging cases that deal with employee misconduct and fitness for duty under New York's Civil Service Law. Your responsibilities will include conducting thorough evidence analysis, drafting disciplinary charges, and preparing cases for trial, where you'll also have the chance to argue during internal hearings. But that’s not all—this position allows you to dive deep into legal research, negotiate settlements, and even represent the agency in hearings related to employment discrimination. You’ll play an essential role in evaluating job candidates while ensuring compliance with federal laws regarding employment authorization. As the Attorney Interne, you won't just learn the ropes but will actively contribute to significant legal matters that impact city employees. If you're a recent law school graduate or a current law student ready to step into a collaborative and supportive environment, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ATTORNEY INTERNE Role at City of New York

What responsibilities does the Attorney Interne have at the City of New York?

As an Attorney Interne in the Employment Law Unit at the City of New York, you will perform a range of responsibilities, including collecting evidence of employee misconduct, drafting legal documents, preparing cases for trial, and representing the Agency in administrative hearings. You’ll also be involved in legal research and will assist in evaluating employment candidates for compliance with federal laws.