NY HELPNo

AgencyHuman Rights, Division of

TitleAssistant Commissioner (Deputy General Counsel)

Occupational CategoryLegal

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $12379 to $156224 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Pending Exempt

Travel Percentage 20%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

County Albany

Street Address Agency Building 1, Floor 2, Empire State Plaza

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12220

Duties Description Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel will provide legal oversight and operational support across the agency.

Duties will include, but not limited to the following:
• Draft legal opinions, memoranda of law, and policy documents to support regional office operations and agency-wide compliance.
• Provide legal analysis and guidance on complex matters involving state and federal laws and regulations.
• Oversee the Legal Records Office, which processes approximately 1,200 FOIL and party access requests annually, ensuring timely and compliant responses.
• Serve as the agency’s primary legal advisor to the Human Resources unit on personnel-related issues, including hiring, discipline, and labor relations.
• Act as the main point of contact for EEOC and Office of Employee Relations (OER) regarding disciplinary, discrimination, and Administrative Disciplinary Investigation Division (ADID) cases.
• Represent the agency in legal proceedings, administrative hearings, and internal investigations, as needed.
• Coordinate with executive leadership on legal risk mitigation, policy development, and compliance initiatives.
• Supervise legal staff and ensure quality and consistency in legal work product.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal developments relevant to the agency’s operations and recommend necessary policy or procedural updates.
• Provide training and support to regional offices and program staff on legal standards and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates must be currently admitted to the New York State Bar
Bachelor’s Degree and seven years of relevant experience. *
*Substitutions: four years of relevant experience or associate’s degree and two years of relevant experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of relevant experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of relevant experience.

Additional Comments We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 College Savings Program

Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.

All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name Human Resources/ LB

Telephone

Fax

Email Address HRResumes@dhr.ny.gov

Address

Street Agency Building 1, 2nd Floor, Empire State Plaza

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12220

Notes on ApplyingPlease submit cover letter along with a clear and concise resume detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as listed in Specifics and indicate the Vacancy ID number for which you are applying.