Research Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Review the merits of appeal requests by analysis of documents in the Workers' Compensation Board's (WCB) eCase and internal NYSIF databases including the WCB's digital audio recordings of hearings/depositions and researching the applicable law
• Prepare and timely file clearly written and persuasive appeals and rebuttals to the Workers' Compensation Board to advance NYSIF's interests
• Draft appellate briefs and/or motions to the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals
• Appear at the Workers' Compensation Board, via virtual and in person at hearings, trials and depositions. Develop and implement litigation strategies and initiatives to achieve optimum results for the policyholder at the WCB
• Communicate, discuss, and explain to Claims Department staff the basis for actions taken on appeal requests or results of hearings and depositions as well as update Claims Center and other internal data platforms with results and/or strategy determinations
• Handle rush or emergency matters which arise from the strict time constraints imposed by the Workers' Compensation Law (WCL)
• Assist the Appeals Management by reviewing and analyzing Board Panel and Full Board decisions and making well-reasoned recommendations as to whether further appeal of the decisions would be indicated
• Participate in and draft training materials or modules for Appeals, Hearing and Claims staff
• Participate in or manage research projects on various issues within WCL, provide internal NYSIF Departments with project results including best practices and suggestions for improvement
Minimum Qualifications For appointment via NY HELPS:
• To Assistant Attorney 1 (Grade 18): Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission*
• To Assistant Attorney 2 (Grade 20): Admission to NYS Bar
• To Assistant Attorney 3 (Grade 22): Admission to the NYS Bar** and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience
• To Senior Attorney (Grade 25): Admission to the NYS Bar** and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience
For Competitive appointment:
• To Senior Attorney (Grade 25):
o 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 3; OR
o One year of permanent, competitive class service as a Senior Attorney; OR
o One year of permanent, competitive class service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 52.6 of the Civil Service Law. 52.6 transfers may be considered only if you have passed the NYS Bar exam
Reinstatement: Candidates who have held Senior Attorney title, or a transferable title, may be eligible for consideration for reinstatement.
* If you are appointed as an Assistant Attorney 1, you will be automatically advanced to Assistant Attorney 2 upon admission to the New York State Bar. If you are not admitted to the New York State Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated.
** Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is necessary for continued employment. Disbarment or loss of registration shall result in termination or suspension of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Attention to detail, excellent communication skills and efficient time management
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting thorough legal research using various databases, libraries and online resources
• Proven ability to analyze statutes, case law, regulations, and legal precedents to support legal agreements and decisions
• Strong legal writing skills with attention to detail, clarity, and persuasive arguments
• Track record of producing high-qualify legal documents, opinions, and other written materials
• Strong computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, SharePoint)
• Proactive attitude towards learning and adapting to new technologies and platforms
• Comfortable navigating and utilizing various computer platforms to achieve organizational goals
• Demonstrated experience in handling multiple projects concurrently while meeting tight deadlines
• Participate in or manage research projects on various issues within WCL, provide internal NYSIF Departments with project results including best practices and suggestions for improvement
Please be advised that the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) does not offer sponsorship for employment visas to employees or potential employees. Candidates sponsored for employment by an organization should be aware of their sponsorship status and the relevant expiration date(s) of that sponsorship before applying to this position. NYSIF is not currently enrolled in eVerify, which is a requirement for certain types of employment verifications.
Additional Comments For candidates new to NYS, the starting salary for this position will be the bottom of the range displayed and is not subject to negotiation. For candidates that are current NYS employees, salaries are calculated in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations, and negotiated union contracts.
Fringe Benefits:
• Competitive Compensation.
• Future Career Growth Potential.
• Open and Supportive Team-Based Environment.
• Plentiful Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave Accruals.
• Paid State and Federal Holidays.
• Full Medical, Vision, and Dental.
• Retirement Options.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Possibility of Telecommuting, Flextime, and Alternative Work Schedules.
NY HELPS Program:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
About NYSIF:
For more information about NYSIF, including our mission, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and efforts to fulfill Executive Order 31, please visit www.nysif.com.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please send an email to NYSIF's Reasonable Accommodations mailbox at ra@nysif.com.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Ana Luiza Gorman
Telephone
Fax 518-437-1618
Email Address hr@nysif.com
Address
Street PO Box 66699
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12206
Notes on Applying Please submit resume, cover letter, and writing sample to hr@nysif.com referencing the Vacancy ID number in your subject line.