Apply on Employer Site

New York State Center for Recruitment & Public Service · 1 day ago

Assistant Counsel

Albany, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry, Mid Level

$94K/yr - $118K/yr

2+ years exp

The New York State Center for Recruitment & Public Service is seeking an Assistant Counsel to provide legal advice and support related to FOIL requests. The role involves advising staff, assisting with training, and collaborating on strategic initiatives, while also representing the Department in legal matters.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

Advises FOIL staff on legal issues related FOIL requests

The Assistant Counsel will assist with FOIL appeal determinations and advise on FOIL-related Article 78 defenses

Assists with Department wide FOIL training

Implements Department policy and legal mandates related to FOIL requests

Collaborates with the Deputy Counsel and/or designees on strategic initiatives involving FOIL Unit request processes, database enhancements, and workflow improvements

Handles other requests for records on a special basis, including those involving challenging or complicated document retrieval issues, as well as requests requiring coordination among multiple offices

Responds to inquiries concerning legal issues from facility and Central Office staff

Drafts letters and responses on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner and Counsel

Functions as liaison between the Department and the Office of Attorney General (OAG) for specified lawsuits

Assists the OAG with preparing answers to pleadings, discovery demands and affidavits

Drafts internal memoranda on litigation status and proposed settlement negotiations

Responds to correspondence and telephone calls from legal representatives and responds to letters from incarcerated individuals

Represents the Department in Administrative Law hearings that will include Human Rights cases related to employees; incarcerated individual issues, and other legal matters such as visitation appeals