Public Health Legal Fellowship

Job Title: Public Health Law Fellowship
Department: Legal Affairs
Division: Office of General Counsel
Bureau: Office of General Counsel

Location: 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, 11101
Reports to Title: General Counsel

Schedule & Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Workplace Flexibility Modality: A hybrid work schedule is available and will be discussed during the hiring process.
Work Environment: Office Setting

Grant End Date: June 30, 2027

Revised Date: November 6, 2025

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Who We Are:

The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.  To this end, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

Our Culture:

We embrace a culture of learning, collaboration, innovation, and well-being, where open communication drives our impact.

About The Role:

The Public Health Law Fellow will function as an integral member of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) legal team. The Fellow will: provide legal research and analysis on a myriad of health-related issues including development of briefings to support redress relating to disparities and chronic disease; analyze and develop regulations, legislation, and policy; and draft affidavits in support of science-based policies. The Fellow may also participate in public speaking and attend relevant conferences.

The in-person Fellowship is for one year.

The selected candidate will be an employee of the Fund for Public Health of New York, a nonprofit organization that will be the fiscal and administrative manager of the grant; the Fellow’s work be supervised by OGC.  This is a grant-funded position starting in July 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. 

About the Program:

With an annual budget of $1.6 billion and more than 6,000 employees throughout the five boroughs, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) is one of the largest -- and most highly regarded -- public health agencies in the world, serving 8 million New Yorkers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. DOHMH is tackling a broad range of public health issues with innovative policies and programs and seeing significant results from our efforts.

The OGC works to ensure that the innovative programs and initiatives of NYC DOHMH are supported by a dedicated legal team comprised of health justice-focused attorneys. In addition, attorneys help to develop the appropriate regulatory / legal avenues for DOHMH policy work.  Over the course of the pandemic, OGC’s docket has included issuing Commissioner Orders to mandate vaccination (and assisting to defend those mandates when subject to challenge); advising on legal issues related to reopening schools and businesses; protecting data systems; and ensuring vaccine distribution compliance with federal and state laws. Over the pandemic and as the agency moves forward, NYC DOHMH attorneys work to support an array of initiatives addressing health disparities through targeted initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal research and analysis on a myriad of health-related issues including development of briefings to support redress relating to disparities and chronic disease
• Analyze and develop regulations, legislation, and policy
• Draft affidavits in support of science-based policies of DOHMH
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor

• Other duties as assigned to support the overall goals and mission of the department/ organization. 

Requirements:

• Applicants must hold a law degree (JD). 
• In addition, the successful applicant will have demonstrated excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills. 
• An interest in health care, public health, civil rights, and social justice is essential.
• Applicants should be self-motivated and have the proven ability to work with a wide range of people.

Preferences:

• Experience working in a legal setting
• Ability to understand the concepts of social determinants of health, institutional racism, structural racism, health inequities, and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting communities that have experienced systemic oppression and bias (e.g., people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice-involved persons, etc.)

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution
• A retirement savings plan with generous employer contribution
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plan
• Meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

FPHNY is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

At-Will Employment Statement:

Employment with FPHNY is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement: You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at FPHNY.