Records Compliance Law Intern

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED AN HOURLY RATE OF $26.73.

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement, and programs for youth in the community.

ACS' Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal representation, counsel, and advice to the ACS Commissioner and divisional leaders. OGC identifies areas of legal vulnerability and coordinates with divisions to ensure compliance with court orders, consent decrees, and other legal and regulatory mandates. OGC also works closely with the NYC Law Department to minimize risk, avoid litigation, and defend ACS in class action and individual lawsuits.

Within OGC, the Records & Compliance Law Unit (RCU) is responsible for processing all requests for ACS records of closed child protective investigations that are conducted in accordance with Social Services Law Section 422. Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests are often received from individual citizens, law firms, media outlets, politicians, or contractors. RCU staff also provide litigation support to the NYC Law Department when needed to defend the lawsuits brought against the City of New York and ACS. OGC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Records & Compliance Law Intern to join our team.

As a Records & Compliance Law Intern, you will support day-to-day operations within our Records & Compliance Law Unit and work alongside attorneys responsible for processing record requests for closed child protection investigations. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for a law student interested in child welfare, government employment, civil procedure, motions practice, confidentiality of records, Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), privacy law, New York Social Services Law and records production. Additionally, as a member of the 2026, ACS Summer Internship Program cohort, you will participate in an enrichment program designed to fully engage students into the ACS and NYC government experience. Internship programming includes professional development workshops, lunch and learns, speaker events, NYC government tours, and networking opportunities.

Key Responsibilities will include assisting attorneys with:

- Preparation of FOIL responses

- Redaction and production of child welfare records

- Analysis of social services law, executive law, and regulations

- Legal research and writing in the areas of confidentiality, FOIL, and records retention

- Preparation of memorandums of law, motions to quash, and other motions as deemed appropriate in response to improper subpoenas seeking records that are not legally allowable

- Attending internal FOIL meetings, and program area staff meetings to obtain required documents for FOIL and record requests

- Observing family court proceedings and civil or criminal court proceedings regarding motions to quash

Learning Outcomes:
- Gain hands-on experience in preparing FOIL responses, conducting related legal research, and writing in the areas of confidentiality
- Learn about the privacy and confidentiality statuses applicable to child welfare investigations and how to respond to requests for those records
- Learn about the functioning and operations of a large government agency
- Strengthen abilities to coordinate and execute organizational tasks in a professional setting

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a
candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and
maltreatment report.

TO APPLY:
- To apply for the internship, you must be must either be currently enrolled or accepted in a law degree program.
- Interested candidates should submit their resume by visiting: https://cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 773683
- NO PHONE CALLS, FAXES OR PERSONAL INQUIRIES PERMITTED
- NOTE: ONLY CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED

SUMMER GRADUATE INTERN - 10232

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in an accredited college, university or law school.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.