Special Counsel & Chief of Staff - job 1 of 2

As the Special Counsel & Chief of Staff at DCAS, you'll handle a variety of key responsibilities such as advising the General Counsel on sensitive legal matters, overseeing the management of a staff of over 40 attorneys and support staff, and ensuring the development of effective talent hiring and retention strategies. Additionally, you will manage major processes like risk management, audits, and investigations while developing systems that promote cross-departmental collaboration.

To qualify for the Special Counsel & Chief of Staff position at DCAS, candidates must have admission to the New York State Bar and four years of relevant legal experience post-admission. This experience should include at least eighteen months of supervisory responsibilities over other attorneys, demonstrating management ability in a legal capacity. Candidates must maintain their standing in the New York State Bar throughout their employment.

A typical day for the Special Counsel & Chief of Staff at DCAS involves advising the General Counsel on critical issues, managing various legal and policy processes, and facilitating communication among senior leadership and staff. In this role, you'll juggle multiple priorities, keep the workflow smooth, and implement strategies that enhance the organizational structure of OGC and foster collaboration across departments.

Key skills required for the Special Counsel & Chief of Staff role at DCAS include excellent organizational and strategic thinking abilities, strong communication skills, and the capacity to manage a diverse team effectively. The ability to think critically, identify potential risks, and offer creative solutions is essential in ensuring that OGC meets its goals while serving New York City efficiently.

DCAS is committed to fostering diversity within its workforce, including in the hiring for the Special Counsel & Chief of Staff role. The agency actively seeks candidates from various backgrounds and encourages individuals regardless of their sex, race, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristics to apply. This commitment to inclusion aims to create a work environment that reflects the diversity of New York City.

To effectively advise the General Counsel on sensitive matters, I would first ensure a comprehensive understanding of the legal and organizational context. I'd gather all relevant information, consider the potential implications of different options, and maintain open communication with the General Counsel and other involved stakeholders, presenting my recommendations thoughtfully and strategically.

In my previous roles, I've managed teams of attorneys, which involved not only overseeing their work and providing guidance but also fostering a collaborative environment. Effective team management requires understanding individual strengths and areas for growth while creating opportunities for professional development and candid feedback.

To enhance talent hiring and retention, I would focus on building a strong employer brand that highlights DCAS’s commitment to public service, diverse workforce, and professional growth opportunities. Implementing mentorship programs, continuous training, and creating a supportive workplace would also be key strategies to retain top talent in OGC.

Certainly! In a previous position, I was tasked with handling multiple projects simultaneously. I prioritized based on urgency and impact while delegating tasks accordingly. Regular updates and check-ins were crucial to staying on track, allowing me to adjust resources and timelines as needed to meet all deadlines effectively.

I believe in proactive risk management through systematic assessments and regular audits. Developing a comprehensive framework that identifies potential risks, evaluating their impact, and implementing control measures will be essential. Additionally, fostering a culture where team members feel empowered to report concerns will contribute to ongoing risk mitigation.

To enhance communication flow, I would implement streamlined processes for information sharing, establish regular update meetings, and leverage communication tools that foster collaboration. Creating a centralized database for legal documents and project status updates would also minimize bottlenecks and ensure everyone is kept in the loop.

I anticipate challenges like balancing various stakeholder perspectives, managing resource allocation for multiple projects, and navigating complex legal landscapes. However, I see these challenges as opportunities to grow and drive positive change through innovative problem-solving and effective team collaboration.

Success as Special Counsel & Chief of Staff would be defined by the effective functioning of the OGC team, the successful execution of legal strategies that align with DCAS's goals, and fostering an environment of collaboration and respect across departments, all contributing to the overall mission of serving New Yorkers.

My motivation stems from a deep commitment to serving the community and making a tangible difference in people's lives. DCAS's mission to ensure that city government operates effectively is closely aligned with my values, and I am passionate about contributing to the agency's role in shaping a better future for all New Yorkers.

To handle conflicts within the legal team, I would first listen to all parties involved to understand differing viewpoints fully. Encouraging open dialogue, facilitating mediation if necessary, and finding common ground would be key steps in resolving the conflict. It's essential to cultivate a culture where differing opinions are seen as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.