Department Advocate - job 1 of 2

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout the New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on “what works,” staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism.

Under the direction of the General Counsel and Director of Investigation and Trials, with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision making, the responsibilities of the Agency Attorney include but not limited to:

- Providing legal counsel and making recommendations concerning the soundness of charges, preparing specification of charges, coordinating and gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses
- Drafting, reviewing and/or preparing briefs, motions, legal opinions, affidavits, memoranda, contracts, legislation or other legal papers.
- Providing training to supervisory staff on disciplinary procedures
- Drafting formal, thoroughly researched legal memoranda on a variety of employment, ethics, and related legal issues, advising and assisting with developing, drafting, and updating agency policies and procedures
- Overseeing agency compliance with and advising staff on laws, rules, and regulations governing conflicts of interest and ethics in NYC government, including COIB and CFB regulations, N.Y. Rules of Professional Responsibility, and internal policies and procedures
- Overseeing internal investigations of allegations of employee misconduct, conflicts of interest, and special investigations. Supervising staff in the performance of these duties
- Appearing in Court and arguing cases and conducts hearings before courts, quasi-judicial bodies and administrative tribunals; prosecutes disciplinary actions pursuant to Civil Service Law 75 and medical proceedings pursuant to Civil Service Law 72 against agency employees
- Providing legal counsel on disciplinary action and represent the agency at all stages of employee disciplinary proceedings in accordance with NY Civil Service Law and union contracts, including litigating cases in trials before OATH
- Conduct difficult and involved negotiations on behalf of the Agency
- Negotiating, drafting, reviewing and executing stipulation of agreements
- Recommending statutory and regulatory revisions related to agency issues
- Performing other related duties as assigned

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.

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.