Mental Health Office

PEDRO A. RIVERA, ESQ., LL.M

**** ******* ******, **, *****, NY 10462

212-***-**** • **************@*****.***

Preserving & Improving the Justice System in Order to Assure a Free and Just Society Under Law.

ATTORNEY

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Motivated, results-focused Attorney with a comprehensive background in proactively providing underprivileged, impoverished people with pro bono legal representation and access to justice. Ability to juggle several cases simultaneously while working under pressure in fast-paced environments. Excels at interacting with broad populations from diverse backgrounds. Highly versatile; quickly masters new roles, responsibilities, technologies and environments. Demonstrates outstanding problem solving and active listening skills; diffuses difficult situations with tact and ease. Reputation for integrity, compassion, work ethic and analytical skills. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Labor Relations • Collective Bargaining and Negotiations •Mental Health Law • Litigation

Case and Project Management • Strategic Planning • Labor Law and EEO

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Negotiated one year of free rent for 26 low-income Washington Heights families living in what the Daily News called a "hellhole;" successfully forced the landlord to bankroll building repairs and worked with a mortgage company to help facilitate new ownership and a new, respectful management to collaborate with tenants.

While working at the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation recognized by United Way of New York City as an emerging leader and earned a fellowship towards graduate work (MPA) at Baruch School of Public Affairs.

Recognized as a 40 under 40 Rising Star by the Hispanic Coalition NY.

Personally recognized by the AUSA at the US Attorney's Office, Business/Securities Fraud Section in New York, for exceptional performance and dedication in overseeing the discovery in United States v. Jonathan Winston. et al., 00 CR 1248 (NGG), a complex, 20 defendant "boiler room" securities fraud case.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/BELLEVUE HOSPITAL – New York, NY • 2015-Present

Director of Labor Relations

Supervise Labor Relations Officers and an administrator overseeing grievances and disciplinary matters for a workforce of over 5,000 employees and 1,800 physicians. Provide oversight for the Workers’ Compensation Unit. Conduct labor-management meetings with high-level union officials to resolve contractual issues; Coordinate with Human Resources and EEO on employment policies; Draft and conduct training on grievances and discipline procedures for managerial staff; counseled department heads on collective bargaining matters, discipline and labor issues, grievances, contract interpretation, and improper labor practices; member of the workplace violence committee; Represent the hospital at Step II hearings, Step III hearings at Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations, Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, and Arbitration.

NYS TENANT PROTECTION UNIT - Queens, NY • 2013-2

Deputy Legal Director (2015)

Provide operational direction and oversight to the Legal Affairs Unit which includes investigations, forensic auditors and inspection division. Oversee all complex and confidential investigations with the focus of seeking civil and/or criminal prosecution of landlords engaging in harassment of rent-regulated tenants.

Senior Attorney (2013-2015)

Investigate and prosecute landlords who engage in harassment, fraud, and other conduct designed to force rent-

regulated tenants out of their apartments.

Continued….

PEDRO A. RIVERA, ESQ., LL.M Page 2 **************@*****.***

NYC OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIALS AND HEARING -ECB, Queens, NY • 2010-2014

Administrative Law Judge

Conduct hearings and render decision on alleged violation of local laws including rules and regulations of City of New York; Responsible for a docket of approximately 500 cases per year.

LAW OFFICE OF PEDRO A. RIVERA, New York, NY • 2007-2014

Owner, Operator

Proficiently manage a diverse caseload project with an emphasis in Landlord & Tenant, Criminal Defense, and Immigration Cases. Actively support community operations by providing pro bono counseling and representing tenants in the Washington Heights and Fort Greene area, as well as clients with immigration issues in the Cambria Heights community.

Received accolades and media coverage as a result of earning tenants a free year of rent, NY Daily News, 03/22/09; Law Clinic wins tenants' case, CUNY Matters, Spring 2009; Inquilinos no pagarán alquiler, El Diario NY, 03/23/09

NYC CIVIL COURT, Housing Court, Brooklyn, NY • 2010-2013

Supervising Attorney, Volunteer Lawyers for the Day Program

Supervised and mentored attorneys and law graduates who represented tenants in eviction proceedings; oversaw the settlement of over 200 cases per year preventing the eviction of these families.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/WOODHULL MEDICL CENTER, Brooklyn, NY • 2004-2008

Assistant Director, Department of Psychiatry (2007-2008)

Drafted petitions, legal memorandums and briefs pursuant to Mental Health Law §9.60. Develop and implement key legal strategies in preparation of court appearances on behalf of clients involved in outpatient treatment programs.

Labor Relations Specialist (2004-2007)

Review all disciplinary action requests and implement appropriate action; advise management of legal and policy consideration in labor relations matters; Conduct disciplinary and grievance conferences. Assisted in the administration of collective bargaining agreements; reviewed, wrote and assisted in formulating labor relations policy; investigated highly confidential incidents; represented the Network before various tribunals.

EDUCATION

Master of Laws - Temple University, Philadelphia, NY

Graduated with Honors in Trial Advocacy, May 2013

Doctor of Jurisprudence - City University of New York School of Law, Queens, NY

Senior Fellow, Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute

Graduate studies at Baruch’s School of Public Affairs

Certificate in Labor Relations - Cornell University School of Public Affairs

ADMISSIONS

Bar Admission - State of New York; US Supreme Court; Eastern & Southern District of New York

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine

Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (AHHE), Chairman of the Managers Council

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Speaker - American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Institute, Los Angeles, CA

Staff Attorney - Housing Clinic, free legal consultation/representation for residents in Inwood/Washington Heights ("Nos Quedamos"), Fort Greene, Brooklyn ("Project Remain") and (Centro de Altagracias) - Washington Heights

Staff Attorney - Immigration Clinic, free legal consultation for residents in Cambria Heights and Flushing area

Former Trustee - New World Neighborhood Charter School, Queen, NY

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