DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) ensures the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code, and Zoning Resolution. The Administrative Enforcement Unit (AEU) is responsible for the successful processing and prosecution of DOB-issued summonses that are returnable to the Hearings Division of the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). AEU Legal Matters is a functional area within AEU, staffed with Agency Attorneys who represent the Department at hearings held by OATH.
Under close supervision, the Agency Attorney will perform Department legal work. Duties include but are not limited to:
– Prosecuting Department of Buildings summonses/violations at OATH remotely and in person.
– Traveling occasionally to OATH locations throughout the five boroughs to represent the Department in these cases.
– Legal writing, including the preparation of appeals, responses, motions, and other documents relating to the continuing prosecution of DOB summonses/violations.
– Identifying and retrieving appropriate documents and evidence for hearings.
– Promptly and accurately notifying AEU supervisors of important issues and outcomes of hearings.
– Pre-hearing preparation, including general research for upcoming cases and follow through of previous cases handled.
– Performing in-house assignments relating to the adjudication of summonses issued by DOB.
– Actively undertaking and participating in special projects and assignments.
– Traveling occasionally between various Department offices.
– Any other duties as assigned by a Supervisor.
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
– Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to work independently and as part of a team on multiple assignments with minimal supervision. – Interest in NYC Building Code, Zoning Resolution and/or Multiple Dwelling Law. – Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
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.