Attorney

Position Summary:

DOHMH has an opening for three attorney positions to serve as an Assistant General Counsel. The Assistant General Counsel will be a key member of the legal team to provide counsel and support on legal matters. Under the direct supervision of the First Deputy General Counsel or Unit Directors, the identified candidate will serve as an Assistant General Counsel within Legal Affairs and utilizing their knowledge of the legislative process will be required to provide support on an array of public health legal issues including the following:

Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct legal research and utilize evidence-based data to draft written analyses as needed in support of the design and implementation of effective policies and programs, often on a time-sensitive basis. Ensure ethical and legal compliance in data collection, maintenance, and dissemination.
Legal Evaluation and Guidance: Identify and evaluate legal data sources and laws relevant to public health and translate findings into policy recommendations, reports, and strategic planning guidance in response to inquiries received on law and public health and/or administrative policies. Provide legislative evidence on how the legal framework and laws shape health outcomes, health risks, disparities, and interventions.
Legislative Tracking: Monitor federal, state, or local legislation and regulations impacting public health and the workforce. Draft amendments to the NYC Health Code and Commissioner of Health regulations to advance public health priorities. Research the legal feasibility of requested Health Code changes or Commissioner’s rules.
the Commissioner to support regulatory proposals, as well as varied types of agreements, contracts, and/or memoranda of understanding.
Legal Consultation: Provide legal analysis and specialized legal advice to address concerns including but not limited to enforcement of NYC Health Code, Freedom of Information Law requests, privacy issues, and environmental health. Translate complex technical or legal information into clear summaries.
Agency Adjudications: When required, attend court hearings or appear at the Mayor’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) to prosecute show cause matters on behalf of DOH.
Regulatory Compliance: Research and interpret statutes, regulations, and agency guidance to ensure the accurate maintenance of sensitive and confidential information. Manage and distribute information appropriately while engaging in ethical conduct at all times.
Collaborate with transdisciplinary teams: Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team player by establishing positive working relationships with co-workers, peers, and other policymakers, public health practitioners, and programs across the agency.
Additional Duties as Assigned: Perform additional duties as needed which can include administrative, legal, or project-specific responsibilities as directed by the First Deputy General Counsel or based on OGC’s operational and/or programmatic needs.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and at least one to two years of full-time, relevant legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Previous experience working in fields related to litigation or transactional law is preferred.
The ideal candidate for this position must be a pro-active and self-motivated individual with the ability to work in teams and in a highly dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders and timelines.

Additional Desired Qualities:

Preferred Skills: laws, policies, and legal systems influence the cause, distribution, and prevention of disease and injury

Strong written and oral advocacy skills with attention to detail
Knowledge of or interest in administrative or regulatory law
Ability to negotiate settlements with opposing counsel
Strong interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and organizational skills
Ability to work productively and collaboratively as part of a team
Demonstrated ability to work independently
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage cases and projects in a timely manner
Willingness to learn on the job, exhibit a high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneously
Highly detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
Ability to use online legal research platforms such as Westlaw, CLEAR, and Lexis Nexis.
Current working knowledge of Health Department procedures, policies and practices is a plus.
Current knowledge or interest in public health matters is a plus.