Attorney

Assistant General CounselThe New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is seeking three attorney positions to serve as 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: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:Strong written and oral advocacy skills with attention to detailKnowledge of or interest in administrative or regulatory lawAbility to negotiate settlements with opposing counselStrong interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and organizational skillsAbility to work productively and collaboratively as part of a teamDemonstrated ability to work independentlyExcellent judgment and decision-making skillsDemonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage cases and projects in a timely mannerWillingness to learn on the job, exhibit a high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneouslyHighly 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.Benefits:Hybrid Work Schedule.Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays.An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision.Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefits.Company Paid Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.403(b) + employer matching and discretionary company contributions.College Savings Plan.Ongoing trainings and continuous opportunities for professional growth and development.Additional Information:This is a temporary grant-funded position ending in November 2027.This individual must reside in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) by their confirmed start date.Preference may be given to individuals residing in New York City (5 boroughs) or surrounding New York State counties.This individual will be expected to work non-business hours during emergencies.At Public Health Solutions, we place immense value on diversity within our teams, understanding that varied backgrounds and experiences significantly enhance our community and propel us toward our goals. If you find you don’t have experience in all the areas listed above, we still encourage you to apply and share your background and experiences in your application. We are eager to discover how your unique perspective can bring positive transformations to our team and help advance our mission of creating healthier, more equitable communities.We look forward to learning more about you!Public Health Solutions is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans.