Senior Attorney/Assistant Attorney 1/2/3 - Buffalo (NY HELPS)

Duties Description Under the direction of an Associate Attorney, the Senior Attorney will represent the Department in all aspects of the administrative hearing process. Primary duties will include conducting pre-hearing conferences; negotiation of settlements; preparation of witnesses for direct testimony and cross-examination; and the preparation of Notices of Hearing, post-hearing briefs, answers to petitions, motions, supporting affidavits, bills of particulars and subpoenas. Description Duties Description Under the direction of an Associate Attorney, the Senior Attorney will represent the Department in all aspects of the administrative hearing process. Primary duties will include conducting pre-hearing conferences; negotiation of settlements; preparation of witnesses for direct testimony and cross-examination; and the preparation of Notices of Hearing, post-hearing briefs, answers to petitions, motions, supporting affidavits, bills of particulars and subpoenas. Additionally, the Senior Attorney may research, prepare, and draft various legal documents, including regulatory and legislative analysis; prepare written legal opinions in response to inquiries received by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and staff; act as the liaison between the Department and the Attorney General’s Office in the defense and prosecution of litigation to which the Department is a party; and provide counsel and guidance to Department staff, including division directors. The Senior Attorney will also be provided with opportunities to assist in other projects and matters handled by the Office of the General Counsel. Assignments will depend on both the needs of the office and the interests of the Senior Attorney. Other projects and matters may include, but are not limited to, assisting on litigation; assisting with record releases; assisting with procurement activities and contract negotiations; assisting with legislative or regulatory drafting; and conducting legal research to assist in advising Department staff. Preferred Qualifications Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders. Ability to handle multiple and shifting priorities. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, if they meet the below NY HELPS minimum qualifications. NY HELPS Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Admission to the NYS bar and two years of post-licensure professional legal experience. Position may be filled at the Senior Attorney level or one within the Legal Traineeship appointment levels. Appointment title will be dependent upon qualifications of candidate selected. Assistant Attorney 1 (Grade 18): Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission Assistant Attorney 2 (Grade 20): Admission to NYS Bar Assistant Attorney 3 (Grade 22): 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience Senior Attorney (Grade 25): 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3, or Admission to the NYS bar and two years of post-licensure professional legal experience. Your degree must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: You will be required to provide this information to the hiring agency at the time of interview. It is expected that employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status in the future, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. If you are interested in the NY-HELPS program, or this position, you may reply to this vacancy posting, or you may visit the New York State Department of Civil Service website at (copy and paste in browser) to register today, in three easy steps. Note: It is essential that you describe your qualifying education and/or experience as completely as possible on your application; your application should describe in detail the kind of service and information you provide to the general public. Omissions or vagueness may not be interpreted in your favor. Additionally, in accordance with Civil Service Law, provisional service immediately prior to a permanent appointment to this title is now credited towards the completion of probation upon permanent appointment. Competitive Minimum Qualifications Reassignment Qualifications: Current Department of Labor employees only, with at least one year of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service in a Senior Attorney title; if you have less than one year, you must be reachable on the current Legal Specialties Program eligible list for this location, if one exists. 52.6 Transfer Qualifications One year of permanent or contingent-permanent as a Grade 23 or higher determined to be administrative by Civil Service. 70.1 Transfer Qualifications One year of permanent or contingent-permanent as a Grade 25 or higher determined to be similar by Civil Service. Transfer candidates must also possess a law degree from an accredited college or university and be able to provide evidence of current registration to practice law in New York State. Note: For all transfers noted, a comprehensive list of titles approved for transfer is available through Civil Service GOT-IT at Additional Comments Position specific job duties may include occasional altered work schedule or job assignments which require availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and/or out-stationed assignments. Candidates with no previous state service will begin at the starting rate of the salary range listed above. If you are a current NYS employee and have questions regarding salary, please contact the Business Services Center (BSC): View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io. Telecommuting is available and can be discussed during the interview. NYS Department of Labor does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications. Employment at the Department of Labor is contingent upon the maintenance of a valid work authorization and necessary documentation to work legally in the United States. Please note: Due to operational requirements and funding considerations of various divisions/positions, there could be occasions in the future where unit assignments may change. Should this occur, it will not impact your title, salary or location. We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, and a minimum of 13 vacation days per year Paid sick leave (CSEA and PEF employees- 13 days; M/C employees- 8 days plus free enrollment into the Income Protection Program for short-term and long-term disability coverage). Choice of several affordable and competitive health insurance plans Dental and vision insurance plans at no additional cost Membership in the NYS Employee’s Retirement System NYS Deferred Compensation Investment Plan Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) (full-time employees) Eligibility to apply for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses Paid Parental Leave Our mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers - the workers and business that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find careers they will love. We build and support New York’s businesses. We empower and protect New York’s workers. To learn more about our mission and the exciting work of the DOL, please visit: DOL is committed to fostering employee engagement and work-life balance. We offer telecommuting and alternative work schedules to eligible employees. Eligible employees may be approved to telecommute, if operationally feasible, up to 2 days per regular work-week, and not to exceed 4 days per two-week pay period. Telecommuting can be discussed at the time of interview. Our exciting training and development opportunities, including Coursera and our formal Employee Recognition Program allow us to develop, recognize, and celebrate our workforce. Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, length of State service, and program area. #J-18808-Ljbffr