Counsel To The Commissioner

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on “what works,” staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism.

The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is looking to recruit a Counsel to support the Commissioner in her efforts to carry out the agency’s mission and help shape the agency’s legal strategy, policy development, and reform initiatives. This role will involve providing high-level legal advice, overseeing major litigation and compliance matters, collaborating with city, state, and federal partners, and ensuring that all departmental actions align with legal standards and the Commissioner’s vision for a fair and effective probation system.

The ideal candidate will possess the capability to manage a high volume of matters while working under strict deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, along with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. The Counsel to the Commissioner acts as the legal advisor, providing assistance and guidance to the Commissioner on a wide range of highly confidential and sensitive administrative matters, operational procedures, and agency policies that influence all facets of the Department of Probation’s functions. The chosen candidate will participate in meetings, hearings, and conferences alongside the Commissioner and various city, state, and federal government agencies in the role of advisor and legal counsel, playing a crucial role in the creation, development, and execution of new department wide programs, policies, and procedures.

The Counsel to the Commissioner will also oversee critically significant, confidential special projects and hold supervisory authority over personnel involved in these initiatives at the Commissioner’s discretion, coordinating the efforts of staff from different commands within the department on major projects that have department wide implications. Additionally, the Counsel to the Commissioner will gather information from all major commands within the agency regarding critical issues impacting the department and will provide daily briefings to the Commissioner on these matters, offering recommendations to take on and resolve issues or adjust procedures to enhance operations.

COUNSEL (DEPT OF PROBATION) - 30147

Minimum Qualifications

1. A license to practice law in the State of New York; and
2. Four (4) years of satisfactory relevant legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar.

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 generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.

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