As Needed Opportunity: Hearing Officer / Independent Arbitrator
The New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”) currently seeks recommendations for and applications from qualified candidates to serve as independent and impartial hearing officers/independent arbitrators to oversee the adjudication of Commission enforcement matters.
The Commission has broad regulatory authority and oversight over officers and employees at State agencies and departments, including commissions, boards, State public benefit corporations, public authorities, SUNY, CUNY, and the statutory closely‐affiliated corporations; the four statewide elected officials and members of the Legislature (and candidates for those offices); employees of the Legislature; certain political party chairpersons; and registered lobbyists, their clients and related parties.
To expand its current pool of qualified and available hearing officers/independent arbitrators, the Commission is reaching out to bar associations, law schools, and other entities across the state. The hearing officers/independent arbitrators will preside over formal hearings, render a decision on certain appeals, and consider questions of fact and of law in connection with administrative proceedings of, and applications to, the Commission.
The hearing officers/independent arbitrators will be called upon on a case‐by‐case basis and compensated for their service.
Description of Service:
As needed by the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government ("Commission"), an independent and impartial hearing officer/independent arbitrator will be selected at random to preside over a hearing or appeal relating to a matter pending before the Commission. The hearing officer conducts formal hearings, renders a decision on certain appeals, and considers questions of fact and of law in connection with administrative proceedings of and applications to the Commission.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducts hearings and proceedings concerning alleged violations of §§ 73, 73-a, and 74 of the Public Officers Law, § 107 of the Civil Service Law, and Article one-A and § 5-b of the Legislative Law in accordance with the Adjudicatory Proceedings and Appeals Procedures adopted by the Commission, set forth in 19 NYCRR 941 and available on the Commission’s website at https://ethics.ny.gov.
- Presides at administrative hearings concerning the resolution of issues of fact and of law; administers oaths or affirmations; may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses or evidence; provides for the taking of testimony by interview; and regulates the course of the hearings, setting time and place; evaluates evidence.
- Researches questions of law and precedent; evaluates existing legal precedent for guidance in formulating opinions.
- Evaluates evidence elicited during formal hearing process; performs analysis of legal questions that arise during formal hearings.
- Prepares written findings of fact and recommendation for the Commission at the close of a hearing or proceeding.
- Hears administrative appeals.
Minimum Qualifications:
Admission to practice law in New York required; at least 10 years of legal experience required, including trial and/or arbitration experience; judicial and/or hearing officer experience preferred.
To Apply:
Eligible candidates are requested to submit a letter of interest and resume electronically, by no later than March 31, 2025, to:
NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government
[email protected]
Please note: Independent Hearing Officers / State Arbitrators are employed on an as-needed basis by the State of New York and are not employees of the Commission.