Associate Commissioner - Legal Matters

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City's evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 9,000 diverse professionals and knowledge experts.

The DOC is seeking two qualified candidates to fill the executive vacancies for Associate Commissioner, Legal Matters. Under the executive direction of the Deputy Commissioner, with wide latitude for independent judgment, action and decision making, the Associate Commissioners serve as a key legal and policy advisor on all legal, policy, operational and administrative issues impacting the Department and formulating policy on many complex and sensitive legal issues and procedures as they affect the Department. They serve as a legal advisor to the Executive Staff and the Department on the broad range of issues affecting the Department, and serves as a liaison to other Federal, State, and local government agencies, including the New York City Law Department, state and federal prosecutors, and the courts. The Associate Commissioners will assist with the management and oversight of the Legal Division and may be called upon to represent the Department in various types of legal proceedings. The Associate Commissioners will also manage their own caseload of legal matters.

Tasks will include but are not limited to the following:

• Directly supervises attorneys and administrative support personnel of the units which fall under the office of the General Counsel. Coordinates the activities of these units; sets goals, objectives, and priorities for each unit.

• Participates in formulating agency-wide policy as well as the policies and procedures governing the Office of the General Counsel and the Department. Reviews new and established procedures to ensure compliance with existing laws, regulations and guidelines set by the Federal, State and City authorities, and advises the Department on questions of law.

• Supervises the drafting of standard contract forms, stipulations, affidavits, memoranda of understanding, as well as the drafting of special contracts. May participate in contract negotiations.

• Advises the General Counsel concerning proposed legislative changes, including developing legal arguments supporting proposals sponsored by the agency.

• Represents the General Counsel at meetings with other public and private agencies, contractors, and legislative bodies.

• Establishes a system of managerial controls to monitor performance. Makes summary reports to executive management.

• Is responsible for the analysis and resolution of legal queries and issues, including, but not limited to, the amendment and implementation of Department Policies.

Benefits:

The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.

Preferred Skills

• Member of the New York State Bar

• A minimum of five (5) years of legal experience, with all or some of that time preferably in a government agency or the legal department / in-house counsel unit of a private entity.

• Excellent writing, communication, inter-personal, analytical, research, problem-solving, multi-tasking and organizational skills.

• Ability to interact with other city agencies, including Department of Investigations, New York Police Department, and District Attorney's offices.

• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively with inter-departmental units.

• Ability to communicate highly complex information clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing.

• An understanding of corrections work, or law enforcement work generally.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

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.