Build your career while building NYC schools!
The SCA's Legal Department provides legal services to all divisions and departments of the SCA. The Department's responsibilities include: advising the Board of Trustees, officers and employees of all legal requirements of the SCA's construction program and business operations; managing litigation and defending the SCA in administrative matters; mediating construction claims and disputes; drafting and negotiating SCA contracts, license agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents; responding to requests pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL); managing the SCA’s public works lien system; and providing assistance with regards to the City's Conflicts of Interest laws.
Job Description SummaryThe Senior Attorney reports to the General Counsel and is responsible for providing legal guidance and recommendations on legal strategies and issues facing the Authority, particularly as it relates to contracts, construction litigation, and liens. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing construction litigation matters, negotiating and drafting contracts for various matters, including license agreements, reviewing proposed and pending legislation and advising on its impact on the Authority, and assisting with the review, tracking and closing out of mechanic’s liens filed against SCA projects. The successful candidate will be able to develop excellent rapport with colleagues in the Legal Department, Construction Management, Real Estate, External Affairs, and Architecture & Engineering teams regarding matters relating to the design and construction of schools.Job DescriptionResponsibilities include:
- Representing the Authority at mediations on construction contracts, disputes and other matters.
- Overseeing construction litigation and lien foreclosure actions.
- Negotiating and drafting license agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding.
- Conducting legal research and drafting memos on legal issues with minimal direction to protect the interests of the Authority in situations where the laws, regulations and legal precedents may be unclear or ill defined.
- Providing general legal support to the Authority as required.
- Reporting to senior management on progress of matters handled.
- Reviewing and recommending changes to existing policies and procedures utilized in designated key divisions to improve compliance.
- Providing legal advice pertaining to contract and project close out procedures.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the New York State Bar and currently in good standing.
- Minimum of six (6) years of relevant legal experience, including at least four (4) years of experience in construction, contracts, litigation, or a related field.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Diverse legal experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, and/or government agency handling construction, other contractual issues, and general business matters.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; problem solving and interpersonal skills; negotiation and drafting skills; and the ability to handle multiple projects and achieve results within expedited timeframes.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative, while keeping senior management apprised of the status of projects.
Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive
POSTING END DATE: 10/31/2026
Salary Range: $91,193 - $155,274
EducationJuris DoctorCertifications (if required)BAR - NYS Office of Court AdministrationWork ExperienceFour years of full-time legal experience in the area of responsibility.It is the policy of the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, the NYCSCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
* Medical (100% employer paid for basic coverage available)
* Prescription Drug Options
* Dental & Vision Coverage
* NYC Qualified Pension Plan (QPP)
* Optional Retirement Savings Plans including 401K, 457 and IRA options
* Transit Check Program
* Public Loan Forgiveness Program
* Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits
As part of our ongoing commitment to employee growth and development, the SCA’s Learning and Development (L&D) program offers a variety of valuable benefits. These include tuition reimbursement for continued education that is directly related to your current role, as well as access to a broad range of individual and organizational training opportunities. Trainings on leadership development, technical skill-building, compliance, personal and professional growth. These programs are designed to strengthen performance, boost engagement, and ensure our workforce is fully equipped to meet both current and future organizational goals.
The SCA is interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. The SCA is not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to the New York State Bar and current good standing
- Minimum of six years of relevant legal experience
- At least four years of experience in construction, contracts, litigation, or a related field
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Diverse legal experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, and/or government agency
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Problem-solving and interpersonal skills
- Negotiation and legal drafting skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects and meet expedited deadlines
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and keep senior management informed
What We Do
The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) is dedicated to designing and constructing safe, attractive, and environmentally sound public schools for children throughout New York City. The agency focuses on building and modernizing schools in a responsible, cost-effective manner while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in safety, quality, and integrity.
