NY HELPNo

AgencyMotor Vehicles, Department of

TitleAssociate Counsel (Deputy Counsel)

Occupational CategoryLegal

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $141581 to $178874 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 5%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County Albany

Street Address 6 Empire State Plaza

Swan Street Building

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12228

Duties Description Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner & Counsel (aka Counsel), NS, the incumbent of this position will act as Deputy Counsel and assist the Counsel by serving as DMV’s legal expert across all program areas. They will also help provide legal guidance in the increasing number of ad hoc issues that DMV addresses. Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborates with the Counsel in the study, development, review, drafting, revision, and preparation of DMV policies, legislation, and the Commissioner’s Rules & Regulations (CRR), which relate to the various provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) and for filing regulations with the Department of State. Answer inquiries from the Executive Chamber and legislative staff on proposed legislation.

• Reviews all proposed and existing federal, State, and local legislation affecting DMV and makes recommendations for appropriate action. Discusses proposed and new legislation with the Counsel, members of the Executive Team, managers of affected program areas, legislators and legal staff; advises agency personnel concerning legislation that affects agency programs and prepares drafts of proposed legislation to provide a comprehensive agency legislative program.

• Provides legal advice and writes legal recommendations for the Counsel and DMV’s Executive Team on various areas of law, including the Vehicle and Traffic Law, Transportation Law, labor relations and human rights, administrative law, and litigation.

• Liaisons between DMV and the Governor’s Counsel on matters of legal significance.

• Helps develop innovative strategies to enhance public safety through the detection, prosecution and prevention of vehicular crimes and alcohol- and drug-impaired driving, the use of new technology, and other efforts to improve traffic safety.

• Represents the agency in legal filings and proceedings and works with the Office of the Attorney General in all court matters including litigation. Prepares and presents DMV’s position, its argument and case in response to a lawsuit or other claim, including but not limited to Division of Human Rights (DHR) cases. Argues on behalf of DMV at judicial and administrative proceedings. Attends hearings and administrative proceedings as needed, and prepares findings, orders or decisions according to law, evidence presented, and legal precedent.

• Develops litigation strategies based on prior VTL administrative cases and New York State case law. Prepares and reviews legal actions to enforce DMV laws, rules, and regulations.

• Performs and reviews for accuracy all types of legal work, including analyzing legal issues, preparing briefs and legal papers, researching statutes, decisions, opinions and other sources for use in drafting briefs, drafting and reviewing legislation, and presenting oral arguments at judicial or administrative proceedings.

• Develops and drafts standards for DMV’s approach to administrative actions and penalties for VTL violations.

• Analyzes legal opinions, briefs and other material, and prepares memoranda of law. Renders opinions and confers with officials on questions of law. Confers and corresponds with outside agencies, and liaises between agencies and Law Enforcement on questions of law and procedure.

• Proposes changes in DMV rules, Commissioner’s regulations, and policy statements to the Counsel and Executive Team, in response to new legislation, court decisions and/or requests for changes from DMV programs or other sources.

• Assists the Counsel in handling Office of Inspector General and Office of Employee Relations referrals for investigations, audits, or administrative action.

• Furnishes legal advice and opinions to DMV staff, complainants, and others in connection with DMV activities and the services DMV provides.

• Represents DMV at meetings and events of professional associations, and fosters cooperation and communication on legal matters with outside stakeholders including but not limited to other states, federal and state agencies, authorities, municipalities, elected officials, industry representatives, and the public.

• Mentors, provides training to and review of work product to attorneys and legal staff, as needed.

• Conducts outreach, presentations, and training to outside groups on DMV initiatives and the administration and enforcement of motor vehicle laws.

• Conducts special studies or participates in special assignments as directed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

• Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the DMV’s response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Performs other tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates must have a Law Degree from an accredited Law School, been admitted to the New York State Bar and in good standing, and have at least seven years of experience in the practice of law following admission to the Bar.

Additional Comments Hours of the position will be discussed at the time of interview, including questions regarding Flextime, AWS/Compressed work week and Telecommuting.

There are many benefits to working for the DMV! Including:
o Paid Leave
o Paid Holidays
o Pension
o Health Insurance
o Dental & Vision Coverage
o Flex Spending
o Voluntary 457B Retirement Saving Program
o Health Care Spending Account
o Tuition Assistance Programs
o Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
o Transportation Savings Program
o Employee Assistance Programs
For additional information about the benefits of being a state employee, visit the Office of Employee Relations website at https://oer.ny.gov/employee-benefit-programs.

DMV is committed to being a model employer for people with disabilities. DMV’s commitment includes ensuring that the recruitment, application, interviewing and hiring processes are accessible to all job applicants. If you are a job applicant who may need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact DMV’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at diversityandinclusion@dmv.ny.gov.

The Department of Motor Vehicles is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, and to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply, including people with disabilities or any other protected category under the law. Our goal as an employer is to reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and customers we serve.

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

Name Emily Kobello

Telephone

Fax

Email Address Emily.Kobello@dmv.ny.gov

Address

Street 6 Empire State Plaza

Swan Street Building

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12228

 

Notes on ApplyingSend a cover letter, referencing the Vacancy ID noted at the top of this posting, along with your clear and concise resume stating your current Civil Service title, if applicable, and indicating how you believe you meet the qualifications for appointment.

Please note: Candidates applying from outside DMV may be asked for their Social Security number to verify NYS employment history and transfer eligibility.