General Counsel

Job Description DCAS's mission is to make city government work for all New Yorkers. From managing New York City’s most iconic courthouses and municipal buildings, to purchasing over $1 billion annually in goods and services for more than 80 City agencies, what we do ensures that all agencies can deliver on their mission. Our reach touches every facet of city government and is instrumental to the successful day-to-day operations of the City of New York. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the critical resources and support needed to succeed, including: Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees. Managing 56 public buildings. Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property. Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies. Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country. Leading the City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations. When you work at DCAS, you're not just working for one agency, but in service of them all. It's an opportunity to provide impactful support, quality customer service, and help protect the future of New York City for generations to come. Visit our website at nyc.gov/dcas to learn more about the work we do. The Office of General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal counsel for the 13 lines of service, or units, that comprise DCAS. Accordingly, OGC has a broad and diverse legal portfolio, with most attorneys concentrating on one of the following subject matter areas: Human Capital (Civil Service and Employment Law); Procurement; Real Estate (leasing, acquisitions, and disposals); and Compliance (discipline, labor relations, and audit). OGC’s DCAS and citywide legal support also extends to litigation of landlord-tenant matters, performing legislative review, policy, Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, and providing legal and strategic advice in the areas of fleet administration, energy, and facilities management/construction. Further, OGC works with Corporation Counsel on special matters present before the agency that may require litigation or additional review, pursuant to the City Charter. The General Counsel of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) plays an essential role in advancing the agency's mission by providing strategic legal oversight across one of the most operationally diverse portfolios in city government. From managing legal matters related to procurement, real estate, and civil service policies to guiding compliance in areas such as energy management, labor relations, and privacy, the General Counsel ensures DCAS operates within the law while achieving its operational goals. This position is not only the agency’s chief legal advisor but also a strategic partner to the Commissioner and executive team balancing legal risk with innovation, efficiency, and effective governance. As DCAS continues to evolve to meet the City’s dynamic needs, the General Counsel will lead legal strategy during periods of transformation, helping to shape agency policy, support major citywide initiatives, and build a legal team that drives excellence and accountability. Responsibilities Serve as the Chief Legal Officer and provide guidance and recommendations to the Commissioner and senior leadership on all legal matters affecting DCAS operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Partner with senior management to develop, implement, and enforce agency-wide policies, procedures and compliance strategies. Advise the Commissioner on proposed legislative changes and develop legal arguments supporting DCAS-sponsored legislative proposals. Oversee the disposition of contracts, liability claims, labor disputes and civil service matters. Participate in complex and/or high-priority contract negotiations on behalf of the agency. Serve as the chief liaison between DCAS and the Law Department to facilitate the handling of legal disputes and litigation. Represent the Commissioner at meetings with other public and private entities, ensuring DCAS’ legal interests are effectively represented. Collaborate with DCAS Public Affairs to review agency communications, publications and public statements to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Lead the legal team through organizational change, optimizing structures, roles and workflows to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to agency priorities. Manage and mentor a team of attorneys and professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing legal department that adapts to evolving agency needs. Qualifications Admission 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 or in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity. Additional Information 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 based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr