REMOTE Legal Counsel

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a vibrant public realm. The Department engages communities to develop inclusive plans, expands housing access and economic opportunity, and plans for long-term sustainability.

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts policy analysis, and creates open data and civic engagement tools.

The Department of City Planning offers staff meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges. The Department values public service, collaboration, and creativity, and supports professional development. The Counsel's Office advises DCP, the City Planning Commission, other governmental agencies, and private entities on all issues related to zoning, land use review, planning, development, environmental review, and agency administration and procedures. Attorneys in the Counsel’s Office have the opportunity to advise on cutting-edge legal issues; represent the agency at public meetings of the City Planning Commission; help craft policy solutions that address the evolving planning needs of New York City; and drive reform in planning policy and process.

Lead the review and interpretation of existing laws, rules and regulations, and the development of new legislative or regulatory proposals applicable to DCP;

Provide legal guidance in connection with public and private zoning and land use applications;

Assist the City’s Law Department in litigation involving DCP, including collection of the administrative record and reviewing affidavits and memos of law;

Negotiate and draft notices of restrictions, restrictive declarations, correspondence and other documents associated with zoning and land use applications and City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR);

Research legal cases, opinions and decisions;

Analyze legal documents and assist in preparing and reviewing DCP contracts;

Assist staff with compliance with agency policy and professional standards, as well as DCP compliance with Freedom of Information Law and other administrative requirements;

Participate in conducting special studies and projects;

The NYC Department of City Planning does not offer sponsorship, of any kind, for any type of employment opportunity. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all minimum qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and labor unions.

NOTE: If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation during your visit or have questions regarding the accessibility of our facilities, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Department of Education’s website at

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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