Assistant Attorney 1/ Assistant Attorney 2/ Assistant Attorney 3 / Senior Attorney (NY HELPS)

The New York State Office of Mental Health is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Attorney at various levels. The role involves reviewing appeal requests, drafting legal documents, and representing the agency in hearings and trials related to Workers' Compensation cases.

Responsibilities

• Review the merits of appeal requests by analysis of documents in the Workers’ Compensation Board’s (WCB) eCase and internal NYSIF databases including the WCB's digital audio recordings of hearings/depositions and researching the applicable law
• Prepare and timely file clearly written and persuasive appeals and rebuttals to the Workers’ Compensation Board to advance NYSIF's interests
• Draft appellate briefs and/or motions to the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals
• Appear at the Workers' Compensation Board, via virtual and in person at hearings, trials and depositions. Develop and implement litigation strategies and initiatives to achieve optimum results for the policyholder at the WCB
• Communicate, discuss, and explain to Claims Department staff the basis for actions taken on appeal requests or results of hearings and depositions as well as update Claims Center and other internal data platforms with results and/or strategy determinations
• Handle rush or emergency matters which arise from the strict time constraints imposed by the Workers’ Compensation Law (WCL)
• Assist the Appeals Management by reviewing and analyzing Board Panel and Full Board decisions and making well-reasoned recommendations as to whether further appeal of the decisions would be indicated
• Participate in and draft training materials or modules for Appeals, Hearing and Claims staff
• Participate in or manage research projects on various issues within WCL, provide internal NYSIF Departments with project results including best practices and suggestions for improvement

Skills

• Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission for Assistant Attorney 1 (Grade 18)
• Admission to NYS Bar for Assistant Attorney 2 (Grade 20)
• Admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience for Assistant Attorney 3 (Grade 22)
• Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience for Senior Attorney (Grade 25)
• 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3 or one year of permanent, competitive class service as a Senior Attorney or one year of permanent, competitive class service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 52.6 of the Civil Service Law for Competitive appointment to Senior Attorney (Grade 25)
• Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is necessary for continued employment
• Disbarment or loss of registration shall result in termination or suspension of employment
• Attention to detail, excellent communication skills and efficient time management
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting thorough legal research using various databases, libraries and online resources
• Proven ability to analyze statutes, case law, regulations, and legal precedents to support legal agreements and decisions
• Strong legal writing skills with attention to detail, clarity, and persuasive arguments
• Track record of producing high-quality legal documents, opinions, and other written materials
• Strong computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, SharePoint)
• Proactive attitude towards learning and adapting to new technologies and platforms
• Comfortable navigating and utilizing various computer platforms to achieve organizational goals
• Demonstrated experience in handling multiple projects concurrently while meeting tight deadlines
• Participate in or manage research projects on various issues within WCL, provide internal NYSIF Departments with project results including best practices and suggestions for improvement

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation.
• Future Career Growth Potential.
• Open and Supportive Team-Based Environment.
• Plentiful Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave Accruals.
• Paid State and Federal Holidays.
• Full Medical, Vision, and Dental.
• Retirement Options.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Possibility of Telecommuting, Flextime, and Alternative Work Schedules.

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