Senior Legal Staff Associate - 640149

$45,040 - $62,215/Yr

City of New York - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - New York, NY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Senior Legal Staff Associate position within the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is a vital role that supports the General Counsel Division in advancing investigations, enforcement, and litigation related to consumer protection and the licensing of over 40 industries. This position is designed for a collaborative individual who will work closely with attorneys to ensure the effective management of legal documents and the supervision of staff. The role is under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations and Deputy Director of Operations, and it may allow for remote work for up to two days per week as part of the Remote Work Pilot Program. In this position, the Senior Legal Staff Associate will be responsible for supervising and monitoring the performance of staff, ensuring that assignments are completed in a timely and proper manner. This includes coordinating the flow of legal documents through various stages of investigations and litigation. The Associate will also oversee the processing of settlement agreements, tribunal and court filings, and other essential documents, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and efficiently. The role requires a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, where all staff members are treated fairly and equitably. The Senior Legal Staff Associate will also be tasked with ensuring that staff participate in scheduled trainings, including EEO trainings, and will encourage professional development by providing regular feedback. Additionally, the Associate will assist attorneys with preparing subpoenas, reviewing and organizing files, and conducting research related to department investigations. This position may also involve conducting interviews of witnesses and consumers, and the Associate may be asked to testify at hearings and sign affidavits as needed.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor the performance of staff, ensuring timely and proper completion of assignments.
• Coordinate the flow of legal documents through various stages of investigations and litigation.
• Ensure the timely and effective processing of settlement agreements, tribunal/court filings, and other documents.
• Oversee the coordination of mail distribution and the retrieval and safeguarding of physical files.
• Research and manage case information using CLEAR, PACER, and other databases.
• Ensure staff participate in scheduled trainings and encourage professional development.
• Process timesheets and leave requests for staff under supervision.
• Submit written performance evaluations for staff.
• Assist attorneys with preparing subpoenas and reviewing and organizing files.
• Draft summons for attorney's final approval.
• Review and analyze business records, complaints, Agency operational data, and other documentation.
• Conduct database, online, and published material research in connection with Department investigations.
• Conduct interviews of witnesses and consumers, and may be asked to testify at hearings and sign affidavits.
• Perform other tasks and assignments as directed.

Requirements

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's department of education or a recognized accrediting organization.
• One year of satisfactory clerical experience.
• Keyboard familiarity with the ability to type at a minimum of 100 keystrokes (20 words) per minute.

Nice-to-haves

• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to train staff and evaluate performance.
• Proficient in writing and editing performance evaluations.
• Experience with reviewing and approving staff's time and leave in NYCAPS.
• Excellent verbal, written, and professional interpersonal communication skills.
• Able to conduct database and online research of government and business records.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to appropriately handle legal issues, privileged and confidential information, and highly sensitive documents.
• Able to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment and maintain flexibility to shift priorities quickly and effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint), Adobe Acrobat Professional software, and various online resources.
• Knowledge and understanding of litigation terminology and processes, and ability to read and understand legal rules and regulations.
• Experience working with attorneys in a legal assistant, paralegal, project management, or process improvement role.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.
• Potential for remote work for up to 2 days per week under the Remote Work Pilot Program.
• Opportunity for professional development and training.