Assistant Corporation Counsel – Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement

City of New York

2mo ago

Job
Full-time
Junior & Mid Level
Legal
£49.5K - £212.6K
New York

AI generated summary

You must be an active member of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in, with at least 2 years of legal experience in civil litigation, including nuisance abatement and housing codes. Teamwork skills and a commitment to public interest law are essential.
You will provide legal counsel, draft litigation documents, appear in court, negotiate settlements, and support investigations for the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement.

Requirements

Must be either 1) an admitted member in good standing of the New York State Bar, or 2) a member in good standing of any state bar association and eligible to waive into the New York State Bar. The ideal candidate will have 1) two years or more of legal experience as an admitted attorney with experience in civil litigation, including preparing pleadings, court appearances, discovery practice, and taking depositions; 2) substantive legal experience related to nuisance abatement, housing, building and fire codes, adult use establishments, investigation, enforcement, or bringing affirmative litigation; 3) experience working with a team of investigators and inspectors; and 4) demonstrated commitment to a public interest legal practice. Substantial non-legal experience in relevant fields - especially in housing, building and fire codes, or investigations - will be considered in lieu of the preferred two years of legal experience. Proven ability to work both alone and collaboratively is a plus

Responsibilities

The Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) is responsible for coordinating enforcement efforts across City agencies to address complex quality of life issues, including illegal conversions of residential buildings into hotels, adult use and illegal massage locations, and emerging issues such as COVID-related restrictions. OSE ensures that these enforcement efforts (including inspections, litigation, outreach, and education) are leveraged across all five boroughs to address dangerous conditions at properties that require a coordinated multi-agency response. Assistant Corporation Counsels are assigned as agency partners to work in the Office of Special Enforcement (OSE), which is within the Mayors Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ).The ACCs duties range from providing counsel on investigative and policy issues to serving as lead litigator in complex civil litigation, and include the following responsibilities: Drafts litigation documents, including memos, correspondences, pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses for civil enforcement actions. Consults with City inspectors, investigators, and other law enforcement personnel to prepare affidavits in support of motions and applications. Appears in Supreme Court or other courts for arguments, hearings, and conferences concerning substantive and procedural motions, as well as pre-trial discovery depositions and disputes and case settlement discussions. Negotiates resolutions of civil actions with defense counsels and then drafts stipulations of settlement. Ensures that injunctive relief provisions are complied with and that all necessary settlement payments are made. Provides legal counsel to OSE Inspection Teams regarding administrative enforcement issues related to inspections of buildings and structures with suspected safety concerns. Supports team investigations and enforcement actions by drafting and filing administrative access warrants and subpoenas. In preparation for affirmative litigation, reviews and compiles complaints, administrative records from various City agencies and departments, inspection reports, notices of violations, administrative and judicial decisions regarding prior enforcement, arrest reports, and disposition records. Assist in prosecution of violations before administrative hearing officers, prepares appeals of administrative decisions, and assist in defensive litigation against the City stemming from OSE enforcement actions. Prepares and responds to FOIL requests timely.

FAQs

What are the main responsibilities of an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement?

The main responsibilities include drafting litigation documents, providing legal counsel on investigative and policy issues, appearing in court for arguments and hearings, negotiating settlements, supporting investigations and enforcement actions, and preparing and responding to FOIL requests.

What qualifications are required for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel?

The minimum qualifications include being an admitted member in good standing of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive into the New York State Bar, having legal experience in civil litigation, nuisance abatement, housing, building and fire codes, adult use establishments, or investigations, and demonstrating a commitment to public interest legal practice. Substantial non-legal experience in relevant fields may be considered in lieu of legal experience.

What experience is preferred for a candidate applying for the role of Assistant Corporation Counsel?

The preferred experience includes two years or more of legal experience as an admitted attorney with civil litigation experience, working with a team of investigators and inspectors, and a commitment to public interest legal practice. Substantial non-legal experience in relevant fields, especially in housing, building and fire codes, or investigations, will also be considered.

Does the role of Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement involve working collaboratively with other agencies?

Yes, Assistant Corporation Counsels are assigned as agency partners to work in the Office of Special Enforcement, which coordinates enforcement efforts across City agencies. The role may involve collaborating with City inspectors, investigators, law enforcement personnel, and other agencies in addressing quality of life issues and enforcing regulations.

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