Attorney/ Advocate

The Department of Social Services' Office of Legal Affairs provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies to the Department of Social Services and all DSS program areas to ensure the delivery of social services consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Support and Lien Recovery Litigation Unit (SLRLU) provides litigation services and legal counsel to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) and the Investigation, Revenue and Enforcement Administration (IREA) in accord with Federal, State and City laws and regulations. SLRLU represents the agency in state court actions to establish paternity and support orders on behalf of DSS and assert liens and claims against Public Assistance and Medicaid recipients’ personal injury awards and estate assets. SLRLU defends the agency in state court actions filed against it for its administrative and lien recovery enforcement actions and regularly consults with the NYC Law Department as appropriate.

The Office of the General Counsel of Legal Affairs (OLA) is recruiting for one (1) Agency Attorney II to function as an Attorney II within their Support and Lien Recovery Litigation Unit (SLRLU) with their Casualty Lien Medicaid Recoveries Division. Under the direction of a Supervising Attorney, with latitude for independent and unreviewed action and decision, the Attorney II performs more sophisticated agency legal work in the Office of Legal Affairs.

The Attorney II will:

Provide legal assistance to HRA and DHS program areas by researching legal questions or problems, interpreting the intent and legal ramifications of agreements, laws, rules and regulations related to Medicaid Liens or Claims.

Draft legal documents: pleadings, motions, agreements, contracts or statements in order to obtain court agreements, stipulations or judgments, including but not limited to objections, rebuttals, and affidavits in order to obtain successful outcomes for Agency litigation. Preparing legal memoranda / advisory opinions as requested.

Represent the Commissioner in judicial proceedings, citywide: motions before the courts, trials and/or hearings, petitions, appeals, etc. to pursue or avert further litigation.

May conduct legal discovery to obtain evidence and research more sophisticated legal issues by reviewing statutes, case law, regulations and other legal material to formulate legal arguments and strategy in furtherance of the Agency's position.

May provide guidance to other attorney staff members and support staff, including staff training on policy, practices and new procedures. AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086). 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.

Admission to Practice Law with the State of New York.

Strong oral and written advocacy skills.

Knowledge of proper courtroom etiquette, personal injury and Medicaid recovery law, estate law and civil procedure.

Strong ability to articulate the law and advocate on behalf of the agency.

Superior legal research and writing ability and time management discipline.

3 years of legal experience in civil litigation.

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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