Director, Sheriff Legal Matters

Job Description:

NYC Department of Finance (DOF) is responsible for administering the tax revenue laws of the city fairly, efficiently,

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and transparently to instill public confidence and encourage compliance while providing exceptional customer service.

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The Legal Affairs Division serves as the in-house legal department for DOF, providing professional and comprehensive legal advice and services in support of a full range of city tax and other revenue-related matters. Legal Affairs Division attorneys and staff handle a wide range of legal issues, including real property taxes and exemptions, business income and excise taxes, collections, parking violations, treasury, land registry, FOIL, and employment law.

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The Sheriff’s Office serves and enforces court mandates, orders of protection, warrants, decrees, and property seizures. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office conducts criminal investigations of real property fraud, tax crimes, and the trafficking of illegal and untaxed tobacco products and synthetic narcotics, and monitors defendants referred by the courts for electronic monitoring.

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Legal Affairs is seeking an experienced Attorney with strong litigation and management experience to serve as the Director of Sheriff Legal. The unit handles all aspects of Sheriff Office legal matters at DOF. The functions include providing legal counsel to the Sheriff and the Office of the Sheriff, working closely with the Law Department to defend against litigation, drafting and reviewing legislation and rules, resolving complex issues arising from the duties and operations of the Sheriff Office, and handling other enforcement issues, initiatives, and litigation. A major component of the position will consist of oversight of legal matters arising from the City Sheriff’s enforcement role under the State Cannabis Law.

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Responsibilities

Reporting to the DOF General Counsel, and under general direction with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and legal knowledge, the Director will supervise Agency Attorneys and assigned paralegals and perform the following duties and responsibilities:

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•  Provide counsel on important legal matters and advise on administrative law and process. Manage and review the work of attorneys handling cases.
•  Research and advise on Sheriff’s Office operational matters and initiatives, developing legal strategies for enforcement.
•  In consultation with the Law Department, advise the Office of the Sheriff on matters pertaining to enforcement of laws relating to the regulation of illegal cannabis, prepare and review legal notices, filings, and determinations issued by the Sheriff, and assist in preparation of litigation.
•  Draft and review customer communications and legal notices.
•  Coordinate the Sheriff’s efforts to support the Law Department in defending DOF against litigation arising from performance of the duties of the Sheriff’s Office.
•  Provide analysis of cases and issues to the General Counsel.
•  Work with the Sheriff's Office on enforcement cases including preparing property executions for enforcements.
•  Advise and make recommendations on questions of law, fact and administrative policy.
•  Collaborate with operational staff on DOF strategic projects and initiatives. Handle Legal work and functions as directed by the General Counsel.

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Location:

30-10 Starr Ave, Long Island City, NY

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(Current location but could be subject to change)

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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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In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

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Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

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Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

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Preferred Skills

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•  Three to five years admitted to the New York State Bar Association. 
• Experience with public safety related operational matters. 
• Experience with CPLR enforcement is a plus, as is experience with NYS and City laws and rules related to traffic and parking and enforcement, experience with administrative hearings at OATH and enforcement procedures. 
• Strong litigation experience involving complex issues or of significant financial or policy consequence is preferred. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good judgment and the demonstrated ability to successfully balance multiple assignments and projects, and a willingness to be flexible to handle the changing needs of the division is preferred. 
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with other Legal Affairs and agency managers. 
• Effective management skills and experience, preferably supervising attorneys or staff performing legal services. 
• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and present complicated legal issues in a manner that is simple and readily understandable.

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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/.

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Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

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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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, $140,000.00 – $145,000.00