Assistant General Counsel - ELU

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (the NYC Health Department") Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the NYC Health Department provides legal support for the Agency and its many public health functions serving more than eight million New Yorkers. The Employment Law Unit ( ELU ) exercises jurisdiction over all non-managerial employees working at NYC Health Department and is responsible for handling employee disciplinary matters and fitness for duty cases, among others. ELU serves as the NYC Health Department's liaison to the Conflicts of Interest Board and provides advice regarding Chapter 68 and other conflicts of interest matters. ELU seeks an Assistant General Counsel to practice in all phases of the disciplinary process including investigations, preparation of disciplinary charges, and preparation for prosecution from the informal conference through the appeal process. This position involves drafting disciplinary charges, leading meetings with staff and union representatives to mediate cases for resolution in early stages, strategizing outcome options and advocating for resolutions in the best interest of the City, negotiating settlements and drafting settlement agreements.

The Attorney in this position will perform other duties as requested by the Office of General Counsel. ELU seeks a talented writer with great attention to detail and efficient organizational skills. In addition, administrative duties including organizing case files and updating the unit's database. Appearances are currently via videoconference and in person at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, Office of Labor Relations, and the Civil Service Commission. Additionally, ELU is responsible for providing Agency employees with advice concerning the conflicts of interest law and drafting conflict of interest law waiver requests. All NYC Health Department employees participate in mandatory Agency-wide activities for emergency preparedness and must respond promptly.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO

• Conduct legal research
• Draft disciplinary petitions and documents
• Attend meetings with staff and union representatives to mediate cases for resolution in early stages
• Assist ELU Deputy Director with counseling Agency managers and strategize outcome options
• Appear in litigation and assist with advocating for resolutions in the best interest of the City
• Prepare evidence and documents for use in disciplinary cases
• Draft settlement agreements
• Appear in administrative venues via videoconference and in person at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, Office of Labor Relations, and the Civil Service Commission
• Present training with slides to supervisory staff on the concept of progressive discipline and its relation to the administrative disciplinary process
• Draft Chapter 68 Waiver requests to COIB
• Other duties as requested by the Office of General Counsel.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• JD from an accredited law school, member in good standing of the New York State Bar, or registered to sit for July 2026 Bar Exam.
• Conflict resolution, mediation, ADR, and/or critical thinking college or law school course completion.
• Clear writing ability for extensive internal and external communications.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity and supporting racial justice.
• Excellent communication skills, including emotional intelligence and connections building with external stakeholders.

Why you should work for us

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund. o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. o a tax-deferred savings program and o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers. Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.

AGENCY ATTORNEY INTERNE - 30086

Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.