Principal attorney

Duties Description ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 52574

POSITION TITLE: PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY JG: 31
LOCATION: MENTAL HYGIENE LEGAL SERVICE
WHITE PLAINS, WESTCHESTER COUNTY

BASE SALARY: $130,061 + $4,920 LOCATION PAY

CLASSIFICATION: NON-COMPETITIVE/CONFIDENTIAL – TEMPORARY*

QUALIFICATIONS: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Associate Attorney title; or Equivalent legal experience.
To be qualified for this position, you must have a valid driver's license and a properly registered automobile for use in performing official duties away from your assigned station.

*This position is currently classified as temporary because it is encumbered by an employee who took a promotion within the court system. That employee has the right to return to this position within a designated period of time. If the employee chooses to return within the designated period, then the new incumbent may be placed in a similar position, if available, or the new incumbent’s employment may be terminated. If the employee does not return within the designated period, then the position would no longer be classified as temporary.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK: Principal Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, departmental law-guardian offices, or other such units where they research legal questions and issues, organize complex investigations, prepare and present complex cases before administrative tribunals and trial and appellate courts, and perform related duties. Principal Attorneys may also assist in selecting and training new staff, developing and implementing policies and procedures and in handling day-to-day administrative matters. They may also work with advisory
committees, assist with planning and executing educational programs, assist with resolving administrative problems, and serve as director of a departmental law guardian office.

ASSIGNMENT: The Mental Hygiene Legal Service (“MHLS”) provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, and those alleged to be in need of mental health services, in legal matters including civil and criminal commitment, treatment over objection, guardianship, sex offender civil management, and assisted outpatient treatment. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Attorney, Principal Attorneys develop and supervise office work assignments for attorneys and administrative staff, and supervise the preparation and presentation of cases in court. Principal Attorneys oversee daily operations in MHLS field offices, including: monitoring time and attendance; procuring goods and services; maintaining statistical records and
case files; managing the timely reporting and accurate entry of data into the agency’s case management system; interfacing with building management on facility-related issues; participating in the structured interview process for prospective employees; providing training and skills development; and preparing annual performance evaluations and staff development plans. Principal Attorneys
may also provide oversight and coverage for other Principal Attorneys who are unavailable or on leave. In addition, they may serve as subject matter experts and lead a team of attorneys in a particular area of the Mental Hygiene Law or a specific legal mandate of the agency. This position will serve as the Principal Attorney-In-Charge, which takes the lead in managing the overall operations of
the office working in collaboration with other Principal Attorneys who may be assigned. Excellent lawyering, interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed
by persons assigned to this title. They do not include all job duties performed by employees in the title, and every position does not
necessarily require these duties. Although a position is available and situated at a specific location, the appointee may be subject to
reassignment to any position in the same title in this promotion unit dependent upon the needs of the Unified Court System. All applications received from this announcement may be used to fill any vacancies in this title that may occur in this court or agency within the next six (6) months. Position(s) available at the present time: 1 .

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to submit a UCS-5
Application for Employment form (obtainable from any administrative office in a court building or on the web at and cover letter and resume by email to [email protected] or by mail to:
Eben Hill
Director
Mental Hygiene Legal Service
600 Old Country Road, Suite 224
Garden City, NY 11530
APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY DATA COLLECTION FORM.

POSTING DATE: October 27, 2025
APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED OR RECEIVED BY: November 24, 2025

Minimum Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Associate Attorney title; or Equivalent legal experience.
To be qualified for this position, you must have a valid driver's license and a properly registered automobile for use in performing official duties away from your assigned
station.

Additional Comments The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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