Job details

Records Access Officer - Attorney

Job Description

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.

The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), seeks a full-time Records Access Officer in the Bureau of Legal Affairs. Reporting directly to the Director of Legal Administration and Litigation Support, the successful candidate will: under the direction of the Director, the Records Access Officer supervise the Department’s legal activity of the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Unit and ensures the Department’s mandatory compliance with: NYCRR Article 21 Part 1401 governing public access to agency records; Public Officer’s Law 87 and 89 (FOIL); N.Y. CPLR governing discovery (Art. 3120) and preservation holds (Art. 3102 (c)), and N.Y.C. Admin. Code 23-1201 governing Individual Identifying Information. The Records Access Officer’s responsibilities include, without limitation, the following: Supervise the daily operation of Unit with the assistance of FOIL staff, including a Principal Administrative Associate, a Staff Analyst, and a FOIL attorney; Make recommendations and provide legal advice concerning access to the Department’s records based on privacy laws and FOIL exemptions; Liaise with the NYC Law Department to assist with record collection and case history in response to Article 78 FOIL litigation; Perform in depth legal reviews and analysis of FOIL requests and the Department’s responses thereto, including issuing denials and applying redactions, determining responsiveness and accuracy, to ensure compliance with Federal, State and City privacy rules and regulations; Work closely with other FDNY Bureau of Legal Affairs units in response to subpoenas, discovery, and preservation requests to comply with Court Orders and Law Department requests. Work with outside city agencies such as OTI and DORIS for ediscovery requests and OpenRecords database updates. Coordinate journalists’ FOIL requests with FDNY’s Office of Public Information; Utilize the OpenRecords database and other management tools to monitor compliance, e.g., timeliness of responses.

Qualifications

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. 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.
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
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.

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.

Average salary estimate

$90000 / YEARLY (est.)

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$80000K

$100000K

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What You Should Know About Records Access Officer - Attorney, City of New York

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is on the lookout for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Records Access Officer - Attorney to join our Bureau of Legal Affairs team in New York City, NY. In this pivotal role, you'll be supervising our Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Unit, ensuring that we maintain absolute compliance with various legal mandates while championing transparency within our esteemed department. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team, which includes a Principal Administrative Associate, a Staff Analyst, and a FOIL attorney, while providing legal guidance on accessing our essential records. Your day-to-day responsibilities will also include conducting comprehensive reviews of FOIL requests and liaising with the NYC Law Department to support case history responsiveness for any FOIL litigation. You will dive deep into legal analysis, issuance of denials, and make recommendations based on privacy laws while working closely with various FDNY legal units and outside agencies for subpoena and discovery requests. If you have a knack for organization and a passion for public safety, this role will be incredibly fulfilling as you contribute to making New York City a safer place. Join us on this mission and help us continue our legacy of serving and protecting life and property. With a rich history dating back to 1865, the FDNY is more than just a fire department; it’s a community of brave individuals committed to excellence in emergency response. Come become a part of this amazing family!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Records Access Officer - Attorney Role at City of New York

What are the key responsibilities of a Records Access Officer - Attorney at FDNY?

As a Records Access Officer - Attorney at FDNY, your primary responsibilities will include supervising the FOIL Unit, ensuring compliance with legal records access laws, providing legal advice on department record access, conducting in-depth analysis of FOIL requests, and liaising with various legal entities both within and outside the department.