Assistant attorney / assistant attorney / assistant attorney / senior attorney

Duties Description Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Review the merits of appeal requests by analysis of documents in the Workers’ Compensation Board’s (WCB) eCase and internal NYSIF databases
• Review the WCB's digital audio recordings of hearings and depositions, research applicable law, and case documents
• Communicate, discuss, and explain to Claims Department staff the basis for rejections of appeal requests
• Prepare and timely file clearly written and persuasive appeals, rebuttals, and memos of law with reference to appropriate case law and statutes to advance NYSIF's interests
• Handle difficult and complex cases as well as a high volume of cases
• Handle rush or emergency matters which arise from the strict time constraints imposed by the Workers’ Compensation Law
• Assist in the assignment of cases when the Appeals Unit Manager is absent for extended periods
• Assist the Legal Appeals Director by reviewing and analyzing selected Board Panel and Full Board decisions and making well-reasoned recommendations as to whether further appeal of the decisions are indicated
• Draft appellate briefs and/or motions to the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals
• Participate in training modules and drafting training materials

Preferred Qualifications:
• 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-qualify 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

Minimum Qualifications For appointment to Assistant Attorney 1 (Grade 18):
• Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission.*

For appointment to Assistant Attorney 2 (Grade 20):
• Admission to NYS Bar

For appointment to Assistant Attorney 3 (Grade 22):
• 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2**; OR
• Admission to the NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience

For appointment to Senior Attorney (Grade 25):
• Reachable on current Civil Service eligible list for this title; 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. 52.6 transfers may be considered only if you have passed the NYS Bar exam; OR
• 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3**; OR
• Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience*

* If you are appointed as an Assistant Attorney 1, you will be automatically advanced to Assistant Attorney 2 upon admission to the New York State Bar. If you are not admitted to the New York State Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated.

** 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.

Please be advised that the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) does not offer sponsorship for employment visas to employees or potential employees. Candidates sponsored for employment by an organization should be aware of their sponsorship status and the relevant expiration date(s) of that sponsorship before applying to this position. NYSIF is not currently enrolled in eVerify, which is a requirement for certain types of employment verifications.

Additional Comments For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

Fringe 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.

NY HELPS Program:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

NYSIF Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) prioritizes and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout our agency. NYSIF provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law. We believe that embracing our differences brings richness, new ideas and experiences to NYSIF, which energizes a creative and innovative work environment. We strive to foster a workplace where diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making process and have ample opportunity for advancement. We are committed to investing the necessary resources and attention to improving the engagement, retention, and promotion of the extraordinary talent we have.

Executive Order 31 commits New York State government to becoming a model employer for people with disabilities, increasing the participation of people with disabilities in state service and ensuring equal access to opportunities. NYSIF is proud to utilize best practices to recruit, hire, retain, and promote career advancement of individuals with disabilities. This includes special focus on current and prospective employees with the most significant disabilities, such as the use of supported employment, individual placement with support services, customized employment, the civil service sections 55/b and 55/c programs, internships, and job shadowing. If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please send an email to NYSIF’s Reasonable Accommodations mailbox at [email protected].

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.