Description:

The Commission on Human Rights (the Commission) is the agency charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) – one of the most expansive civil rights laws in the nation. Through its Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB), the Commission accepts claims filed by the public, and has the power to initiate its own investigations to affirmatively root out discrimination, harassment, retaliation and other violations of the NYCHRL.

The Commission's Community Relations Bureau (CRB) is empowered to take action against prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, discrimination and bias-related violence or harassment through education, trainings, outreach efforts, and other mechanisms aimed at creating partnerships and relationships with stakeholders in the community. Both bureaus collaborate closely to work towards the shared goal of fostering mutual understanding and respect among all New Yorkers and encouraging equality of treatment throughout the City.

Agency Attorney Internes work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City Human Rights Law through pre-complaint interventions, investigations, mediations, settlements, and litigation.

Job Description:

Interviews members of the public alleging claims of discrimination; engaging in pre-complaint interventions, investigations, and files complaints where appropriate.
Investigates claims of discrimination made by members of the public and pattern or practice violations for potential Commission-initiated action.
Negotiates resolutions of claims and drafts settlement agreements. Monitors compliance with settlement agreements.
Litigate cases from a threshold of determination of probable cause through and including referral to the hearings division.
May represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge at conferences, and engages in discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
May litigate cases at trial through and including issuance of an Administrative Law Judge recommendation and issuance of Commission order.
Collaborates with the Commission's Community Relations Bureau to provide trainings and to engage in coordinated approaches to rooting out systemic discrimination.
Represents the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and at bar associations.
Performs all duties as needed to advance the work of Law Enforcement Bureau.
May represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge at conferences, and engages in discovery, including taking and defending depositions. - May litigate cases at trial through and including issuance of an Administrative Law Judge recommendation and issuance of Commission order. - Collaborates with the Commission's Community Relations Bureau to provide trainings and to engage in coordinated approaches to rooting out systemic discrimination. - Represents the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and at bar associations. - Performs all duties as needed to advance the work of Law Enforcement Bureau.

Note:

The shift is Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00P.M. On Occasion, candidates may be required to work evening to support the duties of the position.
Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited United States law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar.

Preferred Skills:
Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and experience working with some of the following people and communities: immigrants people of color people with limited English proficiency people living with HIV/AIDS lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people people with disabilities people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion and people with criminal or arrest histories. - Must be well-organized, assertive, and able to work independently and collaboratively. - Strong work ethic. - Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. - Strong oral and written communication skills. - Strong people skills and leadership skills. - Familiarity with the NYCHRL. - Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York City.