Principal Attorney

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTSTATE OF NEW YORK UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 52632POSITION TITLE: PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY JG: 31LOCATION: MENTAL HYGIENE LEGAL SERVICEPOUGHKEEPSIE, DUTCHESS COUNTY BASE SALARY: $130,061 + $2,460 LOCATION PAYCLASSIFICATION: NON-COMPETITIVE/CONFIDENTIALQUALIFICATIONS: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Associate Attorney title; orEquivalent legal experience. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK: Principal Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity in the Mental Hygiene LegalServices, attorney disciplinary committees, departmental law-guardian offices, or other such units where they research legalquestions and issues, organize complex investigations, prepare and present complex cases before administrative tribunals andtrial 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 withadvisory committees, assist with planning and executing educational programs, assist with resolving administrative problems, andserve as director of a departmental law guardian office. ASSIGNMENT: The Mental Hygiene Legal Service provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals with mental anddevelopmental disabilities, and those alleged to be in need of mental health services, in matters including civil commitment,treatment over objection, guardianship, sex offender civil management, and assisted outpatient treatment. This position will serveas the Principal Attorney-In-Charge, managing the daily operations of a field office in collaboration with other Principal Attorneyswho may be assigned. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Attorney, the Principal Attorney-In-Charge supervises workassignments for attorneys and administrative staff; monitors time and attendance; procures goods and services; maintainsstatistical records and case files; manages the timely reporting and accurate entry of data into the agencys case managementsystem; interfaces with building management on facility-related issues; participates in the structured interview process forprospective employees; provides training and skills development; and prepares performance evaluations and staff developmentplans. Excellent lawyering, communication and leadership skills are necessary. A valid driver license and car are required.GENERAL INFORMATION: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performedby persons assigned to this title. They do not include all job duties performed by employees in the title, and every position does notnecessarily require these duties. Although a position is available and situated at a specific location, the appointee may be subjectto reassignment to any position in the same title in this promotion unit dependent upon the needs of the Unified Court System. Allapplications received from this announcement may be used to fill any vacancies in this title that may occur in this court or agencywithin 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-5Application for Employment form (obtainable from any administrative office in a court building or on the web at and a resume and cover letter by email to [email protected] or by mail to:Eben Hill, DirectorMental Hygiene Legal Service600 Old Country Road, Suite 224Garden City, NY 11530APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY DATA COLLECTION FORM.POSTING DATE: May 18, 2026 APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED OR RECEIVED BY: June 15, 2026The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and