SENIOR ATTORNEY - job 2 of 5

The NYC Department of Social Services’ Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides legal guidance, litigation support, and direct representation to the Agency’s program areas in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies to ensure the delivery of social services and public benefits 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.

Under the direction of a Supervising Attorney, with wide latitude for independent judgment and un-reviewed action and decision, the Senior Attorney will provide legal services of a more complex nature and may supervise attorneys providing legal representation of the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services in state courts on complex litigation matters including but not limited to Child Support, Paternity, Enforcement, and other areas of law.

The Office of the General Counsel of Legal Affairs (OLA) is recruiting for one (1) Agency Attorney III to function as a Senior Attorney within their Support and Liens Recovery Litigation Unit (SLRLU) Child Support Enforcement Team Office who will:


- Provide legal representation of the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services in state courts on complex litigation matters including but not limited to Estates, Medicaid recovery, and other areas of law as necessary. May supervise subordinate attorney staff and support staff. Review, revise and prepare opinions and legal documents in all areas of law.

- Review legal matters with subordinate attorneys. Review and edit court papers and legal opinions. Conduct legal research; prepare written motions, objections and rebuttals and other legal memoranda.

- Assist staff with developing appropriate litigation strategies and provide counsel on the advocacy of complex legal issues. Perform legal research on complex subject matter. Maintain records and update program area on outcome and impact of court decisions and rulings.

- Monitor time and leave of subordinate staff. Evaluate and rate staff job performance and assist the Executive Agency Counsels of the unit in management planning decisions, program counseling and strategies affecting the unit.

- Conduct briefings relevant to legal status of assigned cases; prepare reports with recommendations for managerial decision and action. Prepare transfer and appeal memorandums to NYC Law Dept.

- This position involves travel and a work location within the five boroughs as determined by operational need.

Work Location: 88-11 165th Street – 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11432

Hours/Schedule: Monday to Friday 9am – 5 pm with one-hour flex

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
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.

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.