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Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney - job 1 of 2

Job Description

Join the fight against climate change and take advantage of a unique opportunity on the cutting edge of climate policy at the New York City Department of Buildings. DOB has an essential role in implementing and enforcing New York City’s ground-breaking climate policies, including Local Law 97, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s largest buildings. In a city where buildings contribute nearly three-quarters of our greenhouse gas emissions, a focus on efficiency, building energy usage, and decarbonization is critical. DOB is committed to becoming the nation’s premier municipal building organization, enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers, and making our city a safer and healthier place to live. Become a member of DOB’s Bureau of Sustainability team and make a real difference.

Under supervision of the Deputy Director, Sustainability Legal Affairs, the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney will supervise an enforcement team, and work on enforcement cases and projects with Sustainability Bureau staff, as well as other units in the agency.

Duties include but are not limited to:
- Working with Sustainability Bureau staff to promote effective enforcement and compliance, including reviewing procedures, developing enforcement policy, improving coordination and communication among the regulated community, and performing enforcement-related training.
- Performing all areas of case management, including initial and continuing research, designing an appropriate legal strategy, developing and overseeing a case tracking system, managing pre-trial settlement agreements, and preparing and prosecuting cases at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
- Supervising an enforcement team of attorneys and paralegals.
- Preparing reports and related analyses on cases and/or enforcement processes.
- Supporting collection of penalties and fines assessed.
- Proposing new ideas for overall enforcement initiatives and programs.
- Managing special projects and assignments.
- Any other duties as assigned.

REMOTE WORK
This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

SALARY INFORMATION
Effective 4/18/2025, the salary range will increase to $92,525-$106,404 due to a collective bargaining increase.

To Apply:
Visit Jobs NYC (cityjobs.nyc.gov) to view and apply for available positions. Search by agency (Department of Buildings), keywords, or for the specific Job ID #.

NOTE: ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED.

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

$99464.5 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$92525K
$106404K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney, City of New York

Join the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) as a Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney and dive into a pivotal role where you can make a tangible difference in combating climate change. In a city where buildings are responsible for nearly 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, your work will be central to enforcing groundbreaking climate policies like Local Law 97. As part of the Bureau of Sustainability, you'll engage in a dynamic environment, supervising an enforcement team and collaborating on compliance strategies with other units within DOB. Your responsibilities will include managing enforcement cases, enhancing communication with stakeholders, and providing training to ensure effective compliance and enforcement in line with city regulations. You will also handle all aspects of case management, from legal strategy formulation to overseeing pre-trial negotiations and case prosecution. This role offers the unique chance to support significant initiatives for energy efficiency and decarbonization in the urban landscape of New York City. Plus, with the option for remote work up to two days a week, your work-life balance is prioritized as you contribute to creating a safer, healthier environment for all New Yorkers. If you're an attorney with a passion for sustainability and a desire to lead impactful legal initiatives, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring your expertise to the forefront of climate policy with the NYC DOB.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney Role at City of New York
What are the primary responsibilities of a Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney at the New York City Department of Buildings?

The Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney at the New York City Department of Buildings is responsible for supervising an enforcement team, managing case strategies, and ensuring compliance with climate policies. This role includes reviewing enforcement procedures, conducting training, overseeing pre-trial settlements, and preparing cases for prosecution. The attorney will work closely with Sustainability Bureau staff to enhance enforcement initiatives and contribute to significant climate goals.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney position at NYC DOB?

To qualify for the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney position at the New York City Department of Buildings, candidates must be admitted to the New York State Bar and have relevant legal experience. The position requires either one year of satisfactory legal experience post-bar admission or six months of service as an Agency Attorney Intern. Advanced experience in legal areas related to sustainability and building regulations is also required for higher assignment levels.

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Is remote work an option for the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney role at NYC DOB?

Yes, the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney position at the New York City Department of Buildings allows for remote work up to two days a week, in accordance with the agency's Remote Work Pilot Program. This flexibility helps support a balanced work-life environment while engaging in impactful work on climate sustainability.

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What legal experience is preferred for the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney at NYC DOB?

Candidates applying for the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney role at the New York City Department of Buildings should ideally possess at least one year of legal experience post-bar admission in relevant fields. Advanced candidates may have two years of experience in fulfilling similar roles, particularly in areas related to environmental law, sustainability practices, or building regulations.

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How can a Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney contribute to climate policy in New York City?

A Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney at the New York City Department of Buildings plays a vital role in enforcing significant climate policies, helping to drive compliance among the regulated community. By overseeing enforcement cases and proposing new strategic initiatives, the attorney can directly impact the effectiveness of legal measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting citywide sustainability efforts.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney
What motivated you to apply for the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney position at NYC DOB?

An effective response should reflect your passion for sustainability and your desire to apply your legal expertise in a meaningful way. Mention specific climate policies or initiatives by the NYC DOB that resonate with you, such as Local Law 97, and demonstrate how your background aligns with the mission of the Department.

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Can you describe your experience with environmental law?

Highlight relevant legal experience, including specific cases or projects that involved environmental regulations, compliance, or sustainability measures. Discuss how this experience has prepared you for the challenges of the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney role and how you plan to apply that knowledge in your work.

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How would you approach managing an enforcement team?

Emphasize your leadership skills by discussing your style of management, how you foster teamwork, and promote accountability. Share experiences where you successfully guided a legal team, showcased effective communication, and navigated complex enforcement challenges.

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What strategies would you implement to enhance compliance with sustainability laws?

Discuss potential strategies such as improving communication with regulated entities, developing training programs, and facilitating ongoing education about sustainability compliance. Mention specific ideas that could align with the culture and initiatives at NYC DOB.

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What challenges do you foresee in enforcing climate policies like Local Law 97?

A thoughtful answer should address potential compliance issues, resistance from regulated parties, or complexities in legal enforcement. Provide insights into how you would proactively mitigate these challenges through strategic planning and effective stakeholder engagement.

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How do you stay updated on changes in environmental legislation?

Talk about the importance of continuous education and staying engaged with legal trends in environmental legislation. Mention workshops, conferences, or resources you use to keep informed, and how you leverage that knowledge in your professional practices.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a time when you successfully resolved a complex legal issue.

Provide a specific example that illustrates your problem-solving skills. Be sure to explain the context, the challenges faced, the legal strategies you employed, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions.

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What role do you think collaboration plays in achieving successful outcomes in sustainability enforcement?

Explain your belief in the importance of collaboration between legal teams, the regulatory community, and external stakeholders, as this synergy fosters better compliance and enhances the impact of sustainability initiatives. Highlight previous experiences where collaboration led to successful enforcement results.

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How would you handle a situation where a company is resistant to compliance with a regulation?

Provide a structured approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of open communication and education about the regulation's benefits. Discuss negotiation strategies and the balance of ensuring compliance while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.

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What are your long-term career goals as a sustainability attorney?

Share your vision for contributing to sustainability efforts in urban environments, illustrating how the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney role at NYC DOB aligns with your objectives. Express your aspiration for growth within the field and commitment to making a greater impact over time.

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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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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 30, 2025

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