Jobs at ASPCA

Humane Law Enforcement Counsel

Department: Humane Law Enforcement
Division: Anti-Cruelty
Location: New York, NY

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of Chief Legal Counsel, HLE Counsel handles legal matters related to Humane Law Enforcement. This includes providing legal advice to agents and department supervisors on all facets of criminal case investigation including review of cases, ensuring that arrests and seizures comply with applicable criminal procedure and constitutional mandates, drafting and litigating motions, search warrants and security bond petitions as needed, providing training to agents, coordinating with prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies and with the Henry Bergh hospital personnel regarding HLE cases that are treated there.

Job Responsibilities:

Provide advice, guidance and training to HLE agents on applicable law and procedure
Establish and maintain relationships with District Attorney’s throughout the five boroughs and NYS. Provide assistance to these District Attorneys in prosecuting animal cruelty cases.
Track HLE arrest cases through the Criminal Justice system and make recommendations to prosecutors for sentencing.
Consult with Human Resources on devising appropriate job descriptions and on general employment matters.
Draft motions, search warrants and security posting petitions (or assist assistant district attorneys in doing so) and appear in court as needed to litigate these matters on behalf of The ASPCA.
Act as liaison with Government Relations Department to identify needs for change in the law and to assist that department in effecting such change.
Review and create legal forms and departmental procedures for use in connection with cruelty investigation and for all facets of the work done at HLE.
Participate in Animal Welfare Committee meetings, providing HLE liaison with other ASPCA departments and providing assistance with the management of HLE held animals to expedite the release of animals.
Provide liaison with other ASPCA departments to insure that practices and protocols deliver efficient results.
Coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to provide support and training on animal cruelty enforcement issues.
Coordinate with law enforcement entities to encourage animal cruelty enforcement initiatives.
Provide active liaison in the legal community for animal cruelty initiatives.

Education:

Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school.

Experience:

3 years experience in the practice of criminal law in New York State as either a prosecutor or defense counsel.

Knowledge Requirements:

Legal research, including Westlaw
Working knowledge of the New York State Court System

Skills Requirements:

Exceptional oral and written skills
Ability to produce effective and persuasive legal documents
Ability to interpret and explain statutes and court decisions

Licensing Requirements:

Admitted to practice in the State of New York.

Availability to be on call during evenings and weekends to provide advice to agents in the field and to facilitate securing search warrants and affecting arrests.

Benefits:

Our generous benefit package includes the following for full-time employees and (if qualified, we offer domestic partner coverage!) Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, 401(k), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Transit checks, Tuition Assistance Program, Training Seminars, EAP, 50% hospital discount, Vacation, Sick, Personal & Company Holiday time off. EOE.

If you have a passion and commitment to our mission and want to join an amazing team of dedicated professionals and are ready for an exciting, fast-paced environment, we invite you to apply by sending your resume and cover letter.

We look forward to hearing from you!