ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides legal counsel, litigation, contract and employment law services to DSS, HRA, and DHSs administrative and program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with the federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Legal Process and Records Access Unit (LPRAU) of the Employment Law Division handles all incoming requests for DSS/HRA/DHS agency record, including providing statements and legal responses, quashing subpoenas that seek records that are not subject to release; responding to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests pursuant to the NYS Public Officers Law, defending any appeals challenged through New York City Practice Law and Rule (CPLR) Article 78 proceeding, and responding to client case requests pursuant to agency policy or procedures.
The LPRAU is also responsible for tracking incoming legal process and DOI complaints and maintains files according to city and state records retention requirements; retrieving requested records directly from the various administrative and program areas; determining whether records may be released under applicable federal, state, and local laws; providing records subject to release; intake and tracking of legal papers served on the agency to ensure all documents are properly routed to the appropriate division within the Office of Legal Affairs and handled in a timely fashion. The LPRAU works with attorneys and staff in all departments and offices to impart expert procedural advice and coordinate court-related services.

- The Associate General Counsel handles legal services of complex nature having significant legal policy consequences, by managing the day-to-day work of the LPRA unit. The Associate General Counsel work in consultation with the Deputy General Counsel in the formulation of record management policies, standard operating procedures, and training materials according to federal, state and local document management regulations; and provides operational support and training for the best practices in record management.
- Advise program operations executive staff including DSS Commissioner, HRA and DHS Administrators on the release of highly confidential agency records to clients, their legal representatives, the NYC Council, state and federal agencies, news outlets, and the general public. Counsel and collaborate with the Deputy General Counsel, Senior Deputy General Counsel, and DSS/HRA/DHS program operations executive staff on subpoena.
- Provide direction on all New York Civil Practice Law and Rule (CPLR) Article 78 proceedings in FOIL litigation and motions to quash subpoenas and handles counseling questions including: appearing in court proceedings, drafting pleadings, stipulations, and memoranda. Provides guidance on release of client records and other sensitive agency materials consistent with applicable laws and rules and liaising with external requesting parties; makes legal determination on initiating legal actions including motions to quash, withholding materials pursuant to confidentiality status, and other privacy laws and rules on behalf of DSS/HRA/DHS. Interprets applicable laws and rules, makes recommendations to the Chief Legal Affairs Officer on the drafting of Agency policy records access, quashing subpoena requests and FOIL requests.
- Direct the activities of the senior attorney and team attorneys. Direct drafting of complex legal documents such as motion to quash subpoenas, stipulations and other agreements to resolve enforcement actions, to protect the Citys interest in maintaining legal confidentiality as required by applicable statute. Provide strategic direction to all attorney staff and support staff by overseeing the proper completion and alignment of legal work with the DSS Commissioners vision and Agencys objective. Guide staff on the proper applicability of relevant laws, policies, directives, procedures and practices. Direct compilation of a large volume of material for release externally in response to various types of request in accordance with applicable law and agency policy. Monitor and approve time and leave for staff.
- Engage with senior executive agency staff and program leadership, the Press Office, City Hall, the New Law Department, Key partner agencies and external stakeholders on the release of confidential information.

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

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.