Senior Attorney

About the Role The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is New York State’s higher education student financial aid agency, awarding nearly $1 billion in financial aid to more than 330,000 students each year. HESC administers New York’s Tuition Assistant Program (TAP) and over 25 other scholarship and loan forgiveness programs. Under the direction of an Associate Attorney and General Counsel, attorneys will be assigned the following duties: Provide legal advice to HESC’s Executive Staff, managers, and administrators on issues that impact HESC’s mission and student financial aid programs. Assist in the procurement process by reviewing and/or drafting contracts and MOUs, working with agency staff and the Office of State Comptroller and the Office of the Attorney General as necessary. Research and respond to inquiries from legislative staff regarding constituents and reply to executive correspondence on behalf of the agency. In consultation with the General Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General, develop the agency position and strategy for responding to litigation. Review and respond to bankruptcy filings using PACER and provide guidance to staff related to bankruptcy matters. Assist on other special projects and assignments as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. NOTE: HESC’s business hours require working between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This position may be eligible for 55(b/c) designation and candidates with 55(b/c) eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must possess the minimum qualifications and a current 55(b/c) eligibility letter. For 55(b/c) consideration, candidates must satisfy at least one of the required qualifications listed below. Minimum Qualifications Assistant Attorney 1 – Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission. Assistant Attorney 2 – Admission to NYS Bar. Assistant Attorney 3 – 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience. Senior Attorney – 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience. Non‑competitive minimum qualifications as listed above. 55(b/c) Qualifications Individuals certified eligible for the 55(b/c) program under the Governor’s Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55(b/c) of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must meet the above non‑competitive minimum qualifications and provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response. Transfer Qualifications Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55(b/c) service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 52.6, 70.1 or 70.4 of the Civil Service law. For 70.4 transfer candidates, one year of permanent competitive service in a position allocated to a SG‑16 or higher and possession of a bachelor’s degree and standing on the Legal Specialties exam list is required. Preferred Qualifications Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience. Experience At least 2 years of experience as in‑house counsel and/or in the public sector. Experience collaborating across teams, researching complex legal issues, writing memoranda under tight deadlines, and handling a wide range of legal matters. Telecommuting HESC employees may be approved for a telecommuting schedule of up to 50% remote work. Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with the HESC Pilot Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Benefits Generous benefits package worth 65% of salary. 13 paid holidays annually, plus two floating holidays. Up to 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. Up to 5 days of paid personal leave annually. Up to 13 days of paid sick leave annually for CSEA or PEF; up to 8 days for M/C. Up to 3 days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development. Health care benefits: employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost. New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) membership. NYS Deferred Compensation. Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE college savings programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). And many more. New York State is an equal‑opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr