Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Staff Counsel
Salary: $95,450
Division/Work Unit: General Counsel
Job ID: 808226
Number of Positions: 6
Hours/Shift: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Job Description
Litigate high-impact consumer protection and regulatory enforcement cases on behalf of the City of New York.
The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is seeking an attorney to join its General Counsel Division doing cutting edge consumer protection work. This is an opportunity to work with the nation’s leading municipal consumer protection agency, working on affirmative consumer protection litigation and enforcement matters, holding businesses accountable and helping advance the City's affordability agenda.
As Staff Counsel, you will work on enforcement matters from identifying potential targets for enforcement, developing the investigation, and either litigation or negotiating a settlement to accomplish resolution. Staff Counsel will work with other attorneys as well as collaborate with investigators, inspectors, and agency leadership to develop cases and enforcement strategies. The work may include conducting investigations and engaging in discovery, taking depositions, negotiating settlements, appearing before the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and New York State courts, and trying cases on behalf of the City.
Why Join DCWP
Build hands-on litigation experience by being primary counsel on enforcement matters from investigation through resolution.
Gain courtroom and hearing experience before OATH and New York State courts.
Be a part of the team employing creative and cutting edge approaches taking on challenging consumer protection, licensing, and regulatory legal issues.
Collaborate with attorneys in identifying policy solutions and participate in legislative and rulemaking processes.
Work on matters with citywide impact that affect consumers, workers, and businesses across New York City.
Enjoy a hybrid work schedule, strong City benefits, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
What You’ll Do
As Staff Counsel, you will work on one of six units of litigation and regulatory enforcement attorneys who have a diverse portfolio of matters. You will become a subject matter expert in one or more industries the Department licenses and regulates, and will:
Identify unlawful conduct and emerging enforcement issues, develop investigation plans and enforcement strategies, and support regulatory enforcement initiatives.
Develop and litigate enforcement cases, including conducting legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, taking depositions, preparing witnesses, and appearing before OATH and New York State courts.
Draft and negotiate settlement agreements and other resolutions that promote compliance with the law and, where appropriate, provide relief to affected consumers.
Collaborate with and advise other divisions at the agency on legal issues related to consumer protection and administrative enforcement.
Work with data scientists and economists to inform the agency’s work so it can be as impactful as possible
Develop strong legal writing skills, oral communication skills, and trial experience.
Participate in agency outreach, trainings, and public education efforts.
About DCWP
The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency, charged with delivering economic justice. We bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections for New Yorkers, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws. Across New York City, DCWP levels the economic playing field by licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, and providing essential services including free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. This work ensures that New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live for all.
**This position may be eligible for remote work for up to 2 days per week pursuant to the Flexible Work Pilot Program. **
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
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.
PLEASE NOTE: New York City Residency is not required for this position.
Preferred Skills
What We’re Looking For
We're seeking attorneys who enjoy litigation, solving complex legal problems, and using the law to make a tangible difference for New Yorkers.
Strong candidates will have:
Experience with civil litigation, including drafting pleadings, engaging in motion practice, participating in discovery, in settlement negotiations, and in courtroom advocacy.
Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
Experience conducting factual investigations and evaluating documentary and testimonial evidence.
Strong judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
The ability to work effectively with attorneys, investigators, inspectors, and other professionals.
Interest in evolving consumer protection issues, and desire to serve the public interest.
Experience in consumer protection, administrative law, government enforcement, false advertising, or regulatory litigation is preferred but not required.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NYC Jobs portal and enter the Job ID listed at the top of this vacancy notice into the search bar to locate the position and submit your application.
All applications must be submitted through the NYC Jobs portal. Applications submitted through other methods will not be considered.
A resume and cover letter are required as part of your application.
Incomplete applications or those missing required documents will not be considered.
Reasonable Accommodations
DCWP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact ReasonableAccommodationRequests@dcwp.nyc.gov.
Important Application Information
Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.
For general questions regarding the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at dcwpjobs@dcwp.nyc.gov. Please note that applications or résumés submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Additional Information
In addition, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers competitive salaries and a range of employee benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Paid Time Off and Holidays
Paid time off for vacation and personal leave
Paid time off for sick leave
A generous holiday package of up to 12 days
Health Benefits
Medical insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial and Savings Benefits
529 College Savings Plan
Direct Deposit
Flexible Spending Account Programs
New York City Municipal Credit Union Savings Program
Transit Benefit Programs
Retirement and Pension Plans
New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS) pension plan
New York City Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) 401(k) and 457 plan
Additional Benefits for Union Members
Disability Insurance
Health Club Reimbursements
Life Insurance
Supplemental Hospital Coverage
Tuition Reimbursement
*Please note only employees represented by a labor union may qualify for additional benefits provided by the union welfare fund.
Student Loan Forgiveness
DCWP qualifies as a public service employer, which means our employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. If you have federal student loans, you may be able to have your loans forgiven by working full-time in public service. To learn more about PSLF and its eligibility requirements, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program website.
Employee Discounts
Apple and Dell products
Cell phones and plans
Gym memberships
Special pricing on event tickets through Barclay Center, Plum Benefits and Working Advantage
And more!
Benefits and eligibility may vary based on civil service title, appointment type, collective bargaining agreement, and applicable City policies.
DCWP and the City of New York are an equal employment opportunity employer.
New York, NY 10004