Pro Bono Counsel

OATH seeks to hire a Pro Bono Counsel to run the agency’s Pro Bono Program.

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At a glance

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OATH seeks to hire a Pro Bono Counsel to run the agency’s Pro Bono Program. OATH’s Pro Bono program connects volunteer attorneys with low-income residents who appear before OATH to contest summonses issued by city agencies. The Pro Bono Counsel is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, as well as for looking for ways to expand the program (including through the recruitment of new volunteer lawyers and service organizations and for new types of cases where pro bono services can be provided). The Pro Bono Counsel position is an individual role but works in connection with various OATH Divisions. 

Key responsibilities

• Assisting the OATH Help Center staff in the referral of cases eligible for pro bono assistance;
• Interacting with the third-party legal service organizations and pro bono providers regarding their availability to take cases, their questions regarding OATH’s processes, and issues that may arise regarding individual matters;
• Coordinating with OATH’s various internal teams and executive leadership as needed to facilitate the operation of the Program.
• Identifying pathways to expand the program, including through outreach to legal service providers, bar associations, law firms, and other stakeholders who may be interested in participating in the program;
• Maintaining a running record of pro bono case assignments and calendar dates in OATH’s Hearings and Trials Divisions;
• Collecting and monitoring data regarding pro bono cases; and
• Strategic planning regarding the progress of the program and future enhancements.

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
• Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
• To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
• To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
• Admission and good standing as a member of the NYS Bar
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, the rule of law, and access to justice for all parties regardless of income
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, as illustrated through experience managing information, data, and/or projects
• High attention to detail
• Familiarity with, or a high capacity to learn, local laws and rules charged in civil summonses in New York City and the procedural rules of OATH’s Hearings Division and Trials Division
• Ability to educate pro bono providers regarding OATH’s processes - Clear writing ability for extensive internal and external communications
• Experience working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, with demonstrated problem-solving skills and a keen sense of diplomacy
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills reflecting ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Ability to learn and use a variety of databases and case management platforms
• Willingness to accept special assignments and projects including written and/or oral presentations

Apply now