JOB DESCRIPTION

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 New York City Department of Probation is seeking a qualified candidate to serve a Deputy General Counsel - Legal Affairs (Executive Agency Counsel, M-III). Under the executive direction of the General Counsel, with wide latitude for independent judgment, action and decision making, the Deputy General Counsel will support the General Counsel on all legal matters that affect the Bureau of Legal Affairs. The Deputy General Counsel will be responsible for assisting with the oversight and management of the Bureau’s units, including but not limited to the General Law Unit, the Conditional Release Commission, the Investigations and Trials Unit, Records Management and Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs. The right candidate should be solutions-oriented, possessing both the capacity for independence and sound judgment, and the ability to work cooperatively to advance the work of the Bureau of Legal Affairs.

The Deputy General Counsel’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise attorneys and administrative support personnel of the units within the Bureau of Legal Affairs.
• Advise and make recommendations to the Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs/General Counsel and other staff on questions of law, fact and administrative policy.
• Review new and established procedure 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 and fact.
• Supervise the drafting of standard contract forms, stipulations, affidavits, memorandum of

understandings, as well as the drafting of special contracts.

• Supervise the Department’s Record Retention and Management processes.
• Supervise the Department’s obligations related to Freedom of Information Law; Privacy and Confidentiality laws, Risk Management and External Litigation; Ethics and Conflicts and Labor and Employment matters.
• Assist with the supervision of the Bureau’s obligations concerning proposed legislative changes, including developing legal arguments supporting proposals sponsored by the agency.
• Coordinate the activities of the Bureau of Legal Affairs Units; sets goals, objectives and priorities for each unit.
• Establishes a system of managerial controls to monitor performance. Makes summary reports

to executive management.
Serve on behalf the Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters/General Counsel in that official’s

temporary absence. May represent the Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs/General Counsel at meetings with other public and private agencies, contractors and legislative bodies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maximum salary is not guaranteed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Comprehensive knowledge of the issues that face New York State and the City’s Criminal Justice System. - Thorough knowledge of municipal, county, state, federal, and constitutional law affecting the City of New York. - Comprehensive knowledge of Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Family Law, Civil Service Law, Labor Law, Executive Orders, Contract Law and Business Law. - Comprehensive knowledge of City ordinances and charter provisions relating to the function of the Department of Probation. - Thorough knowledge of judicial procedures and administrative procedures and rules of evidence. - Ability to research and prepare legal documents and policy statements. - Ability to initiate and implement administrative programs and to evaluate their effectiveness. - Ability to apply and interpret Departmental policies and procedures. - Thorough knowledge of the organizational structure of City government including functions and inter-relationships of operating agencies, elected officials and administration. - Skilled at public speaking and the ability to write effectively. - Knowledge of probation laws and practice is preferred.

• Supervise attorneys and administrative support personnel of the units within the Bureau of Legal Affairs.
• Advise and make recommendations to the Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs/General Counsel and other staff on questions of law, fact and administrative policy.
• Review new and established procedure 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 and fact.
• Supervise the drafting of standard contract forms, stipulations, affidavits, memorandum o