NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene · 3 months ago
General Counsel, Office of General Counsel
Queens, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
4+ years expThe NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. The General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer, advising the Commissioner and agency leadership on legal matters, overseeing a team handling various legal issues, and ensuring compliance with public health laws and regulations.
Health Care
Responsibilities
Advise the Commissioner and the Executive team on legal matters related to the agency; serving as principal legal advisor to Commissioner of Health
Participate in strategic public health policy discussions and providing legal guidance and advice to further the public health agenda for the agency
Provide legal guidance on federal, state, and local public health laws, including disease prevention, emergency preparedness, data privacy, health equity, and regulatory compliance
Ensure formulation and development of Department and Board of Health policy proposals are consistent with legal requirements
Advance the agency efforts in addressing health equity and racial justice
Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local laws as well as relevant regulations
Manage litigation, disputes, investigations and response to regulatory inquiries, in partnership with NYC Law Department
Provide oversight of the day-to-day operations for the Office of the General Counsel, including direct supervision of deputy general counsels
Work closely with the Law Department in matters involving litigation and other legal matters
Serve as primary agency liaison to the Law Department, Department of Investigations, and other city, state and federal agencies on legal matters
Ensure the agency’s responsiveness to Freedom of Information Law requests
Represent the agency at external meetings with City Hall, elected officials, community-based organization and others as requested by the Commissioner
Stay current on evolving laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting public health practice and administration
Qualification
Required
Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment
Preferred
JD from an accredited law school, member in good standing of a New York State Bar
Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, including five years in government, nonprofit or healthcare/public health law. Experience in providing executive level counsel in a large organization a plus
Experience in public health, healthcare, and/or knowledge of health law strongly desired
Exceptional communication, interpersonal and writing skills; ability communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and straightforward way for non-legal staff
Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity and supporting racial justice
Creative thinker with proven track record using the law in innovative ways to protect and promote public health
Demonstrated ability influencing cross-functional decisions and managing an array of stakeholders
Proven leadership and the ability to demonstrate history of successful management of attorneys and legal support staff
Team player, with experience working collaboratively, building relationships at all levels of an organization
Ability to deal with multiple and changing demands in a fast-paced environment
Benefits
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.
A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
A tax-deferred savings program
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.
Company
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is a Hospital & Health Care company.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jose Ortiz
Chief Technology Officer
Aaron Anderson
CFO/Deputy Commissioner
Recent News
Crain's New York Business
2025-07-24
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2025-03-25
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