Vacancy Details

Administrative and Central Office

General Practice Unit Attorney (Level 3) - 14006

Agency Attorney

Level 3

Office of the General Counsel

Position Summary:  Under the direction of the Deputy Counsel of the Department of Education’s (DOE) Legal Services General Practice Unit, the General Practice Unit Attorney engages in difficult and complex legal work having significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences. Performs related work.

Reports to: Deputy Counsel

Direct Reports: N/A

Responsibilities

General Practice Unit Responsibilities

Level 3

• Represents DOE in administrative proceedings before the City Commission on Human Rights, the State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
• Conducts legal investigations and examines prospective witnesses.
• Recommends settlements and adjustments.
• Serves as agency liaison to the Corporation Counsel's office and assists with court papers and discovery in litigated cases, including those brought against DOE under federal, state, and city anti-discrimination laws.
• Analyzes and responds to issues handled by the General Practice Unit, such as school governance; FMLA; civil rights statutes; charter schools; significant changes in school utilization, early childhood education programs; student records; student discipline; admissions; accommodations; search and seizure; the First Amendment; afterschool use of facilities; immunization; compulsory education; health and safety; school trips; and home schooling.
• Provides advice on education law to program offices throughout DOE.
• Confers with subject matter specialists, attorneys in other DOE legal units, and counsel for litigants.
• Analyzes and reports on the impact of federal, state, and city legislation.
• Drafts and revises rules and regulations for the DOE.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities described above, may also:

• Perform in-depth legal research and legal analyses on critical issues for the DOE.
• Work on major class actions and policy initiatives.
• Brief DOE leadership on compliance issues and legal issues relating to DOE initiatives, such as budget and Title I; Title VI; Title IX; diversity and inclusion policies; academic and admissions policies; constitutional issues; open meetings law; and matters related to parent-led groups.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum

Admission to the New York State Bar AND three (3) years of progressively responsible United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar.

NOTE: Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of their employment.

Preferred

• Ability to interpret and communicate provisions of applicable law and regulations.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to conduct legal research efficiently.
• Ability to manage time and workload independently.
• Ability to take initiative and be flexible.

Salary range: $90,093 - $99,102 

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

* New York City Residency is NOT Required *

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, unemployment status, caregiver status, consumer credit history, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.