DEPUTY COUNSEL (Contracts and Procurement)

Admission to the New York State Bar and a minimum of five (5) years of legal experience. Candidates with government contracting and procurement legal experience, or related commercial, real estate or other transactional experience, are encouraged to apply.

Deputy Counsel have formal supervisory responsibility for a specific function or field of law which relates to the development and implementation of court policies and the administration of the Unified Court System. Deputy Counsel work under the general direction of Counsel to the Office of Court Administration and are significantly involved in supervising subordinate staff and assisting in the overall management of Counsel's Office. Deputy Counsel analyze and advise court administrators on legal issues and questions presented by administrative rules, legislation, and litigation that are complex and specialized, and/or that have serious implications for court administration. They also perform other related duties.

The Contracts and Procurement Unit, located within the Office of Court Administrations Counsel’s Office, negotiates, drafts and processes contracts for goods and services utilized by the NYS Unified Court System (UCS), and serves as a legal resource for issues that may arise with respect to contracts involving courts, district offices and other entities with the UCS.

Under the general direction of the Counsel to the Office of Court Administration, the Deputy Counsel (Contracts and Procurement) will supervise and lead a small team of attorneys assigned to the Contracts and Procurement Unit. The Deputy Counsel will both undertake tasks required to be performed by the Contracts and Procurement Unit, and supervise and oversee the work of other members of that unit. Duties of that unit include, but are not limited to: (1) drafting, negotiating, reviewing and processing contracts for goods and services; (2) providing legal advice and guidance to UCS personnel on contracting and procurement issues; (3) developing and implementing uniform policies, procedures and internal controls; (4) conducting legal research; and (5) preparing and reviewing legislative proposals and administrative rules and regulations. Some travel within NYS is required.

Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership in the legal profession, demonstrated success working with management and executive teams, strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.