Assistant Counsel

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), a public benefit corporation, aids local governments and other eligible applicants throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost financing capital, grants, and expert technical assistance.
 
EFC is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values respect, diversity, and the unique perspectives of all individuals. To support our employees, EFC provides an outstanding benefits package similar to that offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to, leave benefits (Paid Parental Leave, 13 holidays and paid vacation, sick, and personal leave); a comprehensive health insurance program including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; and membership in either the NYS and Local Retirement System, which is a defined benefit plan, or the Voluntary Defined Contribution Program.

Position Description 

The Assistant Counsel reports to the General Counsel and is responsible for providing assistance in meeting the legal needs of the Corporation. The Assistant Counsel will provide legal research, analysis, drafting, and transactional support on a variety of matters involving municipal finance, water infrastructure, contracts, and grants.

This position offers an opportunity for an attorney to develop experience across a broad range of public-sector transactional matters while working collaboratively with attorneys and program staff throughout the Corporation.

Essential Duties

• Conduct legal reviews of loan and grant applications, municipal bond resolutions, State Environmental Quality Review compliance documents, inter-municipal agreements, special district formation documentation, and other related materials.
• Review and assist with the preparation of documents in connection with financing water quality infrastructure projects.
• Advise the Corporation regarding Board resolutions, notices, and other matters required in connection with EFC’s financings.
• Advise and provide written analysis on federal and State legislation, regulations, rules, or guidance documents that may have an impact on the Corporation’s financing programs, EFC's obligations thereunder, or other related matters, as requested.
• Work Collaboratively with attorneys, program staff, and external stakeholders to help advance the Corporation’s programs and mission.
• Provide legal advice to the Corporation as required.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate and admission to the New York State Bar in good standing. Seeking candidate with up to 3 years of experience in general corporate matters; municipal law; environmental law; or local finance law. Recent law school graduates and early-career attorneys are encouraged to apply. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may be considered, at the discretion of the Corporation.

Required knowledge skills and experience:

• Efficient management of concurrent legal projects with tight deadlines
• Drafting, review and analytical skills for a variety of legal and regulatory documents
• Professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams and communities

Preferred knowledge skills and experience::

• Municipal law
• Environmental law
• Corporate procedures and principles
• Commercial transactions/contract law principles
• Public finance and investment laws and principles
• Legislative analysis and drafting

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

Work is performed in an office setting, with prolonged stationary periods and the ability to regularly operate standard office equipment. 

Application Requirements and Related Information 

Salary will be based on experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Employees may request to telecommute up to two days per week after the completion of their training period.

In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide, within three (3) business days of the employee’s first day of employment, an original copy of documentation proving citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States.

EFC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, military status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, or any other protected status.

All individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to positions that they are qualified to perform. It is the policy of EFC to provide qualified persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of EFC, and to provide such persons with reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary, to enjoy such equal opportunity, including accommodations in the recruitment process.

EFC will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure effective communication of information to individuals with disabilities. If you need an auxiliary aid or service to make this information available to you, please contact EFC’s Human Resources Office at (518) 486-9267.

It is the policy of EFC to provide reasonable accommodation for religious observers.