Agency Attorney, Level Two
The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the citys Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and contemporary inequities to cultivate a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination. Through training, education, and policy initiatives, the Commission aims to root out discrimination. The Commission proactively identifies patterns of discrimination through testing employers, housing providers, and providers of public accommodation. The Commission also uses investigations, litigation, and other enforcement tools to address allegations of discrimination. In addition to investigating claims of discrimination brought to the agency by members of the public, the Commission also has the ability and obligation to affirmatively initiate its own investigations and complaints. The Commission is seeking an Agency Attorney, Level Two to join our Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB). Agency Attorneys, Level Two, work within the LEB to enforce the New York City Human Rights Law through pre-complaint interventions, investigations, mediations, settlements, and litigation. This Agency Attorney, Level Two will specifically focus on building out LEBs agency initiated, affirmative investigations and litigation along with the dedicated Supervising Attorney and Agency Attorney, Level Three. This position will have a case docket of cases in housing, employment, healthcare, and public accommodations. Responsibilities include :
- Interview members of the public alleging claims of discrimination; engaging in effective pre-complaint interventions, thorough investigations, and file complaints where appropriate.
- Investigate claims of discrimination and identify patterns or practices violations that may warrant Commission-initiated actions.
- Negotiate resolutions of claims and drafts settlement agreements. Monitor compliance with settlement agreements.
- Litigate cases from a threshold of determination of probable cause through and including referral to the hearings division.
- Represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge at conferences, and engage in discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
- Litigate cases at trial through and including issuance of an Administrative Law Judges recommendation and the issuance of a Commission decision and order.
- Provide training and collaborate with the Commissions Community Relations Bureau to engage in coordinated approaches to rooting out systemic discrimination.
- Represent the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and at bar associations.
- Perform all duties as needed to advance the work of the Law Enforcement Bureau.
Minimum Qualifications
Admission to the New York State Bar; and either 2 or 3 below :One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; orSix 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
Organizational ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously.Experience conducting discovery, reviewing documents and taking deposition or trial testimony.Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and five years experience working with some of the following people and communities : low-income tenants, recipients of public assistance, immigrants people of color people with limited English proficiency people living with HIV / AIDS lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people people with disabilities people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion and people with criminal or arrest histories.Demonstrated commitment to public service and strong work ethic.Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail.Strong oral and communication skills.Strong people skills and leadership skills.Experience in managing complex cases with a strong track record of successful outcomes.Excellent written and verbal communication skills adept at building rapport and resolving conflicts effectively.Ability to efficiently manage high volume of cases, prioritizing task and meeting deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.Demonstrated proficiency in conducting thorough legal research using various databases and resources to support casework.Experience negotiating resolutions and drafting settlement agreements that align with legal and the agencys goals.Experience working as part of a team and ability to work collaboratively.Ability to engage with diverse members of the public in a culturally competent manner.Familiarity with the NYCHRL.Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York City.Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Educations website at .
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position.
Additional Information
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 individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.