Staff Counsel

Job Description

Litigate high-impact consumer protection and regulatory enforcement cases on behalf of the City of New York. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is seeking an attorney to join its General Counsel Division doing cutting edge consumer protection work. This is an opportunity to work with the nation’s leading municipal consumer protection agency, working on affirmative consumer protection litigation and enforcement matters, holding businesses accountable and helping advance the City's affordability agenda. As Staff Counsel, you will work on enforcement matters from identifying potential targets for enforcement, developing the investigation, and either litigation or negotiating a settlement to accomplish resolution. Staff Counsel will work with other attorneys as well as collaborate with investigators, inspectors, and agency leadership to develop cases and enforcement strategies. The work may include conducting investigations and engaging in discovery, taking depositions, negotiating settlements, appearing before the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and New York State courts, and trying cases on behalf of the City. Why Join DCWP • Build hands-on litigation experience by being primary counsel on enforcement matters from investigation through resolution. • Gain courtroom and hearing experience before OATH and New York State courts. • Be a part of the team employing creative and cutting edge approaches taking on challenging consumer protection, licensing, and regulatory legal issues. • Collaborate with attorneys in identifying policy solutions and participate in legislative and rulemaking processes. • Work on matters with citywide impact that affect consumers, workers, and businesses across New York City. • Enjoy a hybrid work schedule, strong City benefits, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. What You’ll Do As Staff Counsel, you will work on one of six units of litigation and regulatory enforcement attorneys who have a diverse portfolio of matters. You will become a subject matter expert in one or more industries the Department licenses and regulates, and will: • Identify unlawful conduct and emerging enforcement issues, develop investigation plans and enforcement strategies, and support regulatory enforcement initiatives. • Develop and litigate enforcement cases, including conducting legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, taking depositions, preparing witnesses, and appearing before OATH and New York State courts. • Draft and negotiate settlement agreements and other resolutions that promote compliance with the law and, where appropriate, provide relief to affected consumers. • Collaborate with and advise other divisions at the agency on legal issues related to consumer protection and administrative enforcement. • Work with data scientists and economists to inform the agency’s work so it can be as impactful as possible • Develop strong legal writing skills, oral communication skills, and trial experience. • .Participate in agency outreach, trainings, and public education efforts. About DCWP The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency, charged with delivering economic justice. We bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections for New Yorkers, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws. Across New York City, DCWP levels the economic playing field by licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, and providing essential services including free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. This work ensures that New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live for all. **This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week pursuant to the Flexible Work Pilot Program. **

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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.

Preferred Skills

What We’re Looking For We're seeking attorneys who enjoy litigation, solving complex legal problems, and using the law to make a tangible difference for New Yorkers. Strong candidates will have: • Experience with civil litigation, including drafting pleadings, engaging in motion practice, participating in discovery, in settlement negotiations, and in courtroom advocacy. • Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills. • Experience conducting factual investigations and evaluating documentary and testimonial evidence. • Strong judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines. • Strong organizational and project management skills. • The ability to work effectively with attorneys, investigators, inspectors, and other professionals. • Interest in evolving consumer protection issues, and desire to serve the public interest. Experience in consumer protection, administrative law, government enforcement, false advertising, or regulatory litigation is preferred but not required.

Additional Information

In addition, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers competitive salaries and a range of employee benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Paid Time Off and Holidays • Paid time off for vacation and personal leave • Paid time off for sick leave • A generous holiday package of up to 12 days Health Benefits • Medical insurance plans • Dental and vision insurance plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Financial and Savings Benefits • 529 College Savings Plan • Direct Deposit • Flexible Spending Account Programs • New York City Municipal Credit Union Savings Program • Transit Benefit Programs Retirement and Pension Plans • New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS) pension plan • New York City Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) 401(k) and 457 plan Additional Benefits for Union Members • Disability Insurance • Health Club Reimbursements • Life Insurance • Supplemental Hospital Coverage • Tuition Reimbursement *Please note only employees represented by a labor union may qualify for additional benefits provided by the union welfare fund. Student Loan Forgiveness • DCWP qualifies as a public service employer, which means our employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. If you have federal student loans, you may be able to have your loans forgiven by working full-time in public service. To learn more about PSLF and its eligibility requirements, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program website. Employee Discounts • Apple and Dell products • Cell phones and plans • Gym memberships • Special pricing on event tickets through Barclay Center, Plum Benefits and Working Advantage • And more! Benefits and eligibility may vary based on civil service title, appointment type, collective bargaining agreement, and applicable City policies.