Assistant Deputy Counsel

Assistant Deputy Counsel (Attorney)

Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission – New York State Unified Court System

Location: New York, NY

Title: Assistant Deputy Counsel (JG-31)

Classification: Non-Competitive / Confidential

Base Salary: $130,061 + $4,920 Location Pay

About the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission:

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission is dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic fairness, enhancing access to justice, and advancing equity across the New York State Unified Court System (UCS). The Commission conducts research, develops policy recommendations, leads educational initiatives, and collaborates closely with court and community stakeholders to strengthen the administration of justice statewide.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Deputy Counsel plays a critical role in advancing the Commission’s mission. Working under the general direction of the Executive Director, this attorney conducts extensive legal and policy research, develops written reports and recommendations, assists in the planning and execution of statewide programs, and helps oversee the work of Commission staff and interns. This position requires exceptional legal analytical ability, strong writing skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and public service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal and policy research on issues related to access to justice, diversity, inclusion, and court system improvement.

• Draft clear, well-organized reports, memoranda, correspondence, and publications on behalf of the Commission.

• Analyze complex legal issues involving administrative rules, legislation, and litigation affecting court operations and policy.

• Synthesize research findings and stakeholder input into actionable policy recommendations.

• Collaborate with court leadership, judges, administrators, and community partners to identify and address barriers to equity within the court system.

• Assist with drafting legislative proposals and organizing legal and factual information into persuasive formats.

• Help plan, coordinate, and implement Commission initiatives, including conferences, town halls, and professional development programs.

• Supervise and support the work of counsels, analysts, interns, and other staff.

• Contribute to pipeline and mentorship programs that introduce students to careers in law and the courts.

• Uphold the confidentiality and sensitivity required when handling complex legal matters and Commission projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and

• Two years of service in the Associate Counsel title, or equivalent legal experience (6 years of experience as a practicing attorney)

Preferred Attributes:

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and access to justice.

• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.

• Experience conducting policy analysis or drafting legislative materials.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of judicial, governmental, and community stakeholders.

• Experience supervising or mentoring staff or interns is a plus.

What the NYS Courts offer:

• Competitive Compensation

• 13 Paid Holidays

• NYS Pension Plan

• 20 Paid Vacation Days in the First Year

• Paid Parental Leave

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Hybrid work model for Attorney titles

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit the following :

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Completed UCS-5 Employment Application (available at

• List of professional references (with contact information)

Please send application materials via email to View email address on click.appcast.io or by mail by June 16, 2026, to:

Karlene Dennis, Executive Director

Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

Office of Court Administration

25 Beaver Street, 8th Floor

New York, NY 10004

*Selected candidates may be required to complete a pre-interview assignment

Link to full position details here: 1650_assistant_deputy_counsel.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity-

The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.