Department Advocate
: Job Details :

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with

people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and

organizations throughout the New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access

services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on what

works, staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation to enhance

community safety and decrease recidivism.

Under the direction of the General Counsel and the Director of Investigation and Trials, with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision making, the responsibilities of the Department Advocate include but are not limited to:

* Providing legal counsel and making recommendations concerning the soundness of charges, preparing specification of charges, coordinating and gathering evidence, briefing witnesses, and related trial work.

* Drafting, reviewing and/or preparing motions, legal opinions, affidavits, memoranda, contracts, legislation or other legal papers.

* Provides legal assistance to DOP by researching legal questions or problems, interpreting the intent of legal ramifications of law, policies and procedures.

* Prosecutes employee disciplinary action pursuant to Civil Service Law 75 and conducts hearings before courts, quasi-judicial bodies and administrative tribunals, including litigating complex cases in trials before OATH.

* Negotiating, drafting, reviewing and executing stipulations of settlement agreements.

* Providing training and legal advice to supervisory staff on disciplinary procedures.

* Assists with the development, drafting and updating agency policies and procedures.

* Acts as liaison with executives within the agency and other City agencies.

* Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Skills

* Excellent legal writing skills are required. All applicants must submit a writing sample. - Outstanding communication skills - Strong legal research skills - Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word and Outlook - Legal case management database experience

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

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.