Senior Enhanced Legal Action Attorney

The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. We are committed to becoming a premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our city safer. We are committed to improving our performance and developing procedures that are streamlined, understandable and transparent.

The Borough Enforcement Unit (BEU) is a legal code enforcement unit that prepares all criminal court cases and access warrant applications for the New York City Department of Buildings. BEU also liaises with the New York City Law Department on civil litigation and provides legal guidance to Agency personnel. The successful candidate would work under general supervision, while also exercising considerable independent initiative and judgment in collaboration with other members of the unit.

Reporting to the Director of Borough Enforcement, the Senior Attorney will work on proactive enforcement cases and projects with the Enforcement Bureau and other department staff. Work includes performing agency legal duties with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making; supervising legal staff, including attorneys and paralegals; and engaging in difficult and complex legal work having significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

- Performing all areas of case management, including initial and continuing research, designing an appropriate legal strategy, developing and overseeing a case tracking system, preparing and prosecuting cases or supporting hearings at the Environmental Control Board (ECB), Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), Criminal Court, Supreme Court, or any other legal forum.
- Training and providing daily supervision of attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff as assigned.
- Working with various Department staff to identify problem areas appropriate for enhanced enforcement, special cases, and programs.
- Working with Department staff to promote more effective enforcement and compliance. May include reviewing procedures, developing new standard operating procedures, performing statistical assessments, improving coordination and communication among staff, and performing enforcement-related training.
- Providing legal support to the Borough Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and department personnel regarding code interpretation, zoning, and other areas.
- Working directly and independently with other City Agencies on cases and projects.
- Rendering legal interpretations and providing legal advice, as appropriate, in consultation with supervisors and General Counsel’s office.
- Conducting or overseeing investigations and research, including in the field.
- Assisting in generating and processing administrative access warrants.
- Preparing reports and related analysis on cases and/or programs.
- Supporting collection of penalties and fines assessed at ECB/OATH hearings or Court proceedings with other City agencies.
- Traveling occasionally between various Department offices or other locations.
- Proposing new ideas for overall enforcement initiatives and programs.
- Managing special projects and assignments.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by a supervisor.
- Perform the duties of the Director in his/her absence.

REMOTE WORK:
This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

To Apply:

Visit Jobs NYC (cityjobs.nyc.gov) to view and apply for available positions. Search by agency (Department of Buildings), keywords, or for the specific Job ID #.

NOTE: ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED.

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.