General Counsel

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:

Law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and nine years of relevant post-bar experience.

Duties Description Reporting directly to the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, the General Counsels duties include, but are not limited to:

The General Counsel reports to the Commissioner, functions as an integral member of the agency executive team and provides legal guidance and services to the Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights, and to other staff, on the variety of issues related to carrying out the mission of the Division of Human Rights.
The General Counsel is called upon to draft or provide legal advice and review on a number of matters, including legislation, regulations, contracts, employment and human resources matters, administrative hearings and oversight of litigation.
The General Counsel will provide support and advice to the Special Prosecutor and Inspector General as warranted and will support the enforcement of Division of Human Rights rules and regulations.
The General Counsel will render advice and legal opinions concerning all programs within the Division of Human Rights in support of the agency's mission to ensure that " every individual . . . has an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the State."
Specific duties will include, but are not limited to:
Oversight and ultimate responsibility for the operations of discrete units within the Office of General Counsel and for all legal functions of the Division.
Oversight and ultimate responsibility for all agency outside litigation, including procuring representation from the Attorney General's Office as appropriate, as well as procurement, liaison and management of retained outside counsel.
Direct liaison to the Office of Counsel to the Governor.
Liaison to the General Counsels of other state agencies.
Ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal statutes, rules and regulations.
Oversight of agency attorneys engaged in employment law related matters, human resources investigations and related matters.
Review and approve all agency legislative proposals and provide comment and advice on pending legislation impacting the agency, its stakeholders and mission.
Participate in case review of significant or high-profile investigations.
Review and approve all public information request responses and significant FOIL requests.
Review and approve all legal or other significant agency policies and guidance.

Additional Comments Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governors Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via e-mail at [email protected]

This position is eligible for $3,400 location pay.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.