Associate Counsel

Associate Counsel

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is seeking a highly collaborative individual to serve as an Associate Counsel. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide legal support and advice to the Human Resources, Health and Safety and Labor Relations Bureaus of the Office.
• Draft, review, edit and advise on the development of policies involving all areas of employment including reasonable accommodation, human rights, and family leave.
• Respond to EEOC and Human Rights complaints on behalf of the Office, and liaison with the Office of Employee Relations on discrimination investigations.
• Represent the agency in administrative hearings, such as arbitration hearings related to employee discipline, interview and prepare witnesses, present evidence, draft briefs and motions.
• Serve as liaison with the claim and litigation bureaus of the Office of the Attorney General and function as the Chief Legal Hold Compliance and e-discovery officer.
• Prepare periodic reports on pending cases and maintain the agency's litigation docket.
• Assist the Ethics Officer in reviewing inquiries regarding compliance with Public Officer's Law.
• Other related duties as assigned.

In this role the Associate Counsel will advise staff on health and safety issues, particularly those that may result in negligence claims against the State. This may require periodic travel to state parks and other sites related to litigation matters or to provide training to staff on related topics. Due to the small size of the office and diversity of issues that arise, the Associate Counsel may handle other work as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.

Additional Comments:

OPERATING NEEDS: The Associate Counsel will join a small, but collaborative legal office committed to serving agency staff in the mission of providing safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. This position requires the candidate to both work independently and as part of a team; possess sound judgment and a high degree of confidentiality, strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities at one time.

Preferred candidate will have minimum of 5 years of legal experience in administrative or civil litigation, preferably with experience in employment law, labor relations or health and safety. The candidate must have experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

NOTE: Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice in New York State is necessary for continued employment. Disbarment or loss of registration shall result in removal from this position.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees may be approved for a maximum of 50% telecommuting, however, they are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

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