General Practice Unit Attorney (Level 3)
Tracking Code:  13042Job Description  
(Those who previously applied need not re-apply)  
Position Summary: Under the direction of the Deputy Counsel of the Department of Education’s (DOE) Legal Services General Practice Unit, the General Practice Unit Attorney engages in difficult and complex legal work having significant financial, procedural, or policy consequences. Performs related work. 
Reports to: Deputy Counsel 
Direct Reports: N/A 
Responsibilities 
General Practice Unit Responsibilities 

Represents agency in employment discrimination cases and administrative hearings.
Provides advice on education law.
Prepares Chancellor’s rulings on various grievance appeals and student suspension appeals.
Coordinates with the Corporation Counsel's office on papers and discovery in litigated cases, such as Article 78 cases involving termination and Title VII cases.
Analyzes and responds to issues handled by the General Practice Unit, such as issues related to school governance, FMLA, civil rights statutes, charter schools, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, 3-K and EarlyLearn, student records, dress code, student discipline, admissions, accommodations, search and seizure, the First Amendment, afterschool use of facilities, immunization, compulsory education, health and safety issues, school trips, and home schooling.
Confers with subject matter specialists, technical experts, and other attorneys, including counsel for litigants.
Recommends settlements and adjustments.
Conducts legal investigations and examines prospective witnesses.
Drafts rules and regulations for the Department of Education.
Analyzes and reports on the effects of City, State, and Federal legislation. 

In addition to the duties and responsibilities described above, may perform the following: 

Performs in-depth legal research and legal analyses on critical issues for the DOE.
Works on major class actions and policy initiatives.
Informs DOE leadership on legal issues relating to DOE initiatives, such as budget and Title I issues; diversity policies; academic policies involving testing, teacher tenure issues, and constitutional issues; open meetings law; Community Education Council and Parent Association matters; and Title VI. 

Qualification Requirements:   
Minimum 
Admission to the New York State Bar AND three (3) years of progressively responsible United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar. 
NOTE: Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of their employment. 
Applicants who have a client with a legal or business matter pending against, before or with the DOE must obtain such client’s consent to apply for employment with the DOE.  If invited to interview for this position, such applicants are required to disclose the nature of such matters at the interview.    
Preferred  

Ability to rapidly understand provisions of applicable law and regulations.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Ability to conduct legal research efficiently.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated and flexible.
Internal candidates preferred. 

Salary: $87,469 - $97,090
(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not make less than their current salary.)
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. 
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding. 
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation.  Inquiries regarding compliance with this equal opportunity policy may be directed to: Office of Equal Opportunity, 65 Court Street, Room 1102, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or visit the OEO website at http://schools.nyc.gov/OEO
 
Job Location:  NEW YORK, New York, United StatesPosition Type:  Full-Time/Regular