Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyCorrections and Community Supervision, Department of

TitleAssociate Counsel

Occupational CategoryLegal

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $115283 to $145682 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Pending Exempt

Travel Percentage 5%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Albany

Street Address NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

1220 Washington Avenue, Building 4

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12226

Job Specifics

Duties Description The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is a unique state agency that touches wide range of fields: public safety, clemency, criminal investigations, medical, education, industries, trades, re-entry, counseling, food service, disciplinary hearings and arbitrations, ministerial, and investigations.
Within the Office of Counsel, ASSOCIATE COUNSELS assist the Deputy Commissioner and Counsel of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS):

• Researching laws, administrative rules and regulations to determine consistency with constructional provisions, existing statutes, case law, etc.
• Researching complex legal issues and case law as it applies to administrative proceedings and prepares briefing documents for the Deputy Commissioner and Counsel.
• Interpreting laws, rules, regulations, decisions, opinions and other legal sources to prepare responses.
• Functions as a liaison between DOCCS and the Attorney General’s Office for assigned lawsuits, which include:
o Preparing responses to pleadings, discovery demands, motions, affidavits and litigation strategy.
o Assist the Office of the Attorney General with analyzing discovery demands and communicating with Department staff to meet litigation deadlines.
o Drafts memoranda to Department staff on the status of litigation and proposed settlement negotiations.
o Coordinates arrangements for the appearance of witnesses on behalf of DOCCS, including location or identifying the person with suitable credentials to provide expert testimony.
• Responds to correspondence and telephone calls from incarcerated individual’s legal representatives and responds to letters from incarcerated individuals.
• Drafting and/or responding to the more complex correspondence in response to inquiries relating to laws, rules, and regulations of the Agency.
• Responding to inquiries concerning legal issues from correctional facilities and Central Office staff,
• Managing a caseload of pending litigation, including but not limited to, high profile and class action lawsuits that may significantly impact Departmental policy
• Represents the Department in administrative hearings that include Human Rights cases related to employees and other legal matters such as visitation appeals, Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) appeals, and Civil Service and Personnel Office appeals.
• Responding to subpoenas, which may include appearing in Court in defense of the Department.
• Analyzing requests for settlement authority and drafting Department position memos.
• Drafting and reviewing proposed and pending legislation for legal sufficiency and effect on DOCCS.
• Appearing at court conferences and oral arguments.
• Analyzing electronic discovery demands and making recommendations on behalf of the Department.
• Provide guidance and feedback to Assistant Counsel staff regarding general assignments in the areas of Visitation Appeals, Legislation, Subpoenas, and Division of Human Rights Complaints.

Minimum Qualifications Must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and have four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.

Additional Comments Travel, telecommuting, and work hours to be discussed at time of interview.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Michael Spring, Human Resources Specialist 1

Telephone 518-485-0862

Fax

Email Address Michael.Spring@doccs.ny.gov

Address

Street NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

1220 Washington Ave., Building 4

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12226

 

Notes on ApplyingIf interested, please send cover letter and resume to the email of the contact listed and include the vacancy ID number.