Senior Counsel

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city’s Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and contemporary inequities to cultivate a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.Through training, education, and policy initiatives, the Commission aims to root out discrimination. The Commission proactively identifies patterns of discrimination through testing employers, housing providers, and providers of public accommodation. The Commission also uses investigations, litigation, and other enforcement tools to address allegations of discrimination.The Commission’s is seeking a Senior Counsel to serve as a liaison between the Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB) and the Office of Mediation and Conflict Resolution (“OMCR”). Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement, this role will lead the work of identifying and referring cases to the Commission’s voluntary mediation program that provides a neutral and empowering process for all parties to facilitate a quick, efficient, and mutually acceptable resolution of claims.Responsibilities include:Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner and senior leadership, the Senior Counsel - Mediation Liaison will:- Serve as the primary liaison between LEB and OMCR, ensuring timely referral, tracking, and follow up on mediation eligible cases.- Review incoming pleadings for cases filed by private counsel to identify strong candidates for mediation and alternative dispute resolution through OMCR.- Develop, coordinate and manage a new robust pro bono referral network of counsel for unrepresented parties to participate in mediation.- Engage with parties, counsel, and LEB attorneys to assess case posture, interests, and suitability for mediation- Develop guidance, protocols, and best practices to strengthen LEB’s mediation referral framework.- Support LEB attorneys and staff in investigations and complaints alleging violations of the NYCHRL.- Maintain personal caseload of matters under investigation and prosecution.- Monitor compliance with LEB policy and procedures including those relating to record keeping, filing requirements, and reporting obligations.- Prepare and analyze statistics and reports related to the agency’s reporting requirements as well as guidance on compliance with NYCHRL.- Collaborate with the Commission’s Community Relations Bureau to provide trainings and targeted community outreach and coordinated approaches to addressing systemic discrimination.- Other responsibilities assigned by the Deputy Commissioner of LEB to support the effective and efficient operations of LEB.EXECUTIVE AGENCY COUNSEL - Minimum QualificationsAdmission 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. Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.Preferred Skills- At least four years of litigation experience in anti-discrimination law, affirmative litigation, or other civil rights-related areas.- Proven ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously, track deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation. - Familiarity and experience with mediation or other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. - Experience conducting discovery, reviewing documents and taking deposition or trial testimony. - Exceptional organizational skills and attention to details. - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to navigate sensitive matters and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. - Demonstrated experience working as part of a team, with the ability to collaborate effectively across units. - Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and five years of experience working with some of the following people and communities: low-income tenants, recipients of public assistance, immigrants people of color people with limited English proficiency people living with HIV/AIDS lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people people with disabilities people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion and people with criminal or arrest histories. - Familiarity with the NYCHRL. - Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one commonly spoken in New York City.Public Service Loan ForgivenessAs 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 class="jobad-residencyRequirement">Residency RequirementNew York City Residency is not required for this position