Senior Legal Counsel

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on “what works,” staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism.

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is looking to recruit a Senior Legal Counsel to support the Commissioner in her efforts to carry out the agency’s mission and help shape the agency’s legal strategy, policy development, and reform initiatives. This role will involve providing high-level legal advice, overseeing major litigation and compliance matters, collaborating with city, state, and federal partners, and ensuring that all departmental actions align with legal standards and the Commissioner’s vision for a fair and effective probation system.

The ideal candidate will possess the capability to manage a high volume of matters while working under strict deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, along with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. The Senior Legal Counsel acts as the legal advisor, providing assistance and guidance to the Commissioner on a wide range of highly confidential and sensitive administrative matters, operational procedures, and agency policies that influence all facets of the Department of Probation’s functions. The chosen candidate will participate in meetings, hearings, and conferences alongside the Commissioner and various city, state, and federal government agencies in the role of advisor and legal counsel, playing a crucial role in the creation, development, and execution of new department wide programs, policies, and procedures.

The Senior Legal Counsel will also oversee critically significant, confidential special projects and hold supervisory authority over personnel involved in these initiatives at the Commissioner’s discretion, coordinating the efforts of staff from different commands within the department on major projects that have department wide implications. Additionally, the Senior Legal Counsel will gather information from all major commands within the agency regarding critical issues impacting the department and will provide daily briefings to the Commissioner on these matters, offering recommendations to take on and resolve issues or adjust procedures to enhance operations.

COUNSEL (DEPT OF PROBATION) - 30147

1. A license to practice law in the State of New York; and
2. Four (4) years of satisfactory relevant legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar.

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.