Senior Counsel for Litigation and Policy (OLS) – 21507 Position Summary: The Office of Legal Services (OLS) promotes and monitors compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including managing and negotiating resolutions of large class action litigation and other major claims. The Senior Counsel for Litigation, Risk Management and Policy will be responsible for providing legal advice and interpretation on high-profile legal and legislative issues of major importance that have the potential for broad impact on the education policy and goals of the school system. Performs related work. The Senior Counsel for Litigation, Risk Management and Policy will report to the Director of the Litigation Implementation Unit/Deputy Counsel for Risk Management and Litigation, manage cross-functional implementation of settlements involving issues such as special education, discipline, behavior, students in court-ordered and alternative settings, safety, etc., and support program offices in key initiatives. Performs related work. Reports to: Deputy Counsel for Risk Management and Litigation Direct Reports: Consultant staff Key Relationships: General Counsel, Executive Deputy Counsel, Senior DOE Counsel, Corporation Counsel, and DOE program office staff. Acts as a liaison to key government agencies to ensure proper inter-agency coordination and management of key objectives. May also work with the City Council and other stakeholders on legislation related to litigation settlements. Responsibilities Litigation-Related Responsibilities · On behalf of the Senior Executive Deputy Counsel and the General Counsel, consults with high-level legal staff in the Office of Corporation Counsel on major litigation issues and acts as a liaison on tort claims. · Provides counsel on class actions, major litigation, anticipated action, and policy initiatives. Confers with subject matter specialists, technical experts, and other attorneys, including counsel for litigants. · Responsible for informing legal staff and senior DOE officials of significant legal decisions and pending matters. Recommends settlements and adjustments. · Oversight and management of implementation of class action consent decrees and other settlements; · Negotiates terms of settlement agreements; · Develops policies and procedures to implement key initiatives. Gathers data and prepares reports on the DOE's implementation of class action consent decrees; orders and major litigation for the General Counsel and other senior DOE personnel. · Coordinates necessary enhancements to DOE databases to ensure compliance with consent decrees, settlement agreements, and the collection of accurate and reliable information. Compliance and Policy-Related Responsibilities · Examines new legislation and regulations and examines their impact on the DOE. · Analyzes and reports on the effects of City, State, and Federal legislation. · Advises DOE offices/divisions concerning legal issues impacting their operations and policies. · Researches legal and operational issues, and offers advice and guidance pertaining to the Department’s critical policy initiatives. Provides support on policy initiatives for special population students, including students in temporary housing, foster care. · Provide direct support to OSYD and other offices to develop and review policies and procedures, including regulations, concerning student safety and discipline. · Assists senior members of the General Counsel’s Office in preparing for meetings with relevant department personnel and persons outside of the Department. · Utilizes research and strategic organization to support and manage several cross-functional projects. · Monitors data and implementation protocols to make recommendations about policy considerations and changes to Department-wide practice. · Develops policies and protocols to ensure compliance with stipulation mandates, including working with program office leadership to implement policy recommendations that affect schools citywide. · Develops protocols and procedures for monitoring litigation compliance on a case-specific as well as a more general level. · Provides in-depth customer service and technical assistance in the planning and preparation of materials related to policy recommendations and program implementation. · Identifies issues and develops creative solutions and recommendations. · Develops strategies and recommendations for sustaining best practices beyond the conclusion of settlements. · Addresses high-priority, confidential situations, and handles confidential data with the highest level of professional discretion and independent judgment. Operations-Related Responsibilities · Prepares evaluation reports, performs analyses, and reviews program plans, funding, and performance related to the Department’s legal matters and the Office of the General Counsel’s operational matters. · Acts as a liaison to key government agencies to ensure proper inter-agency coordination and management of key objectives. · Reviews and drafts Memoranda of Understanding to formalize certain Department relationships with key partners and other stakeholders. · Develops detailed and strategic project plans and advises on recommended actions and policies. · Drafts and publishes annual reports regarding settlement implementation and litigation compliance, including making policy recommendations about citywide practices and school-based responsibilities. · Communicates with a wide variety of central staff, school personnel, and external vendors, providing knowledge and guidance and responding to feedback. Qualification Requirements: Minimum Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time satisfactory, relevant 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. NOTE: Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of their employment. Preferred · Ability to conduct or coordinate highly complex legal research efficiently and on tight deadlines. · In-depth knowledge of education law. · Ability to advise and render legal opinions on educational policies and practices. · Ability to rapidly understand provisions of applicable law and regulations in a fast-paced environment. · Ability to write clearly and concisely. For more details and to apply by 06/30/23, visit https://nychb.teacherssupportnetwork.com/guest/ShowVacancyDetails.do?vac... Salary: $110,419 - $114,919 (Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.) Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding. * New York City Residency is NOT Required * We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DOE Non- Discrimination Policy The Department of Education of 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 upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.