Attorney: Represent New York in Environmental Matters (3779)

Social Justice Division

Environmental Protection Bureau – Albany

Assistant Attorneys General

Reference No. EPB_ALB_AAG_3779

Application Deadline: April 25, 2025

Salary Range: $81,159 - $173,265

To be considered for this opportunity, submit a complete application online at ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Environmental Protection Bureau is seeking a litigator to serve in the Albany office. This position involves representing the state in environmental, public health, and energy matters in lawsuits in state and federal court, and occasionally in proceedings before federal administrative agencies. The Environmental Protection Bureau enforces state and federal environmental laws that protect New Yorkers’ rights to clean air, clean water, and safe and healthy communities, and conducts investigations into violations of those laws. The bureau is focused on advancing environmental justice throughout the state, including addressing the inequitable distribution of pollution and other environmental health burdens, and associated health disparities.

The bureau also defends in both federal and state courts the state’s executive agencies charged with environmental responsibilities, including the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, and Transportation; the Adirondack Park Agency; and the Lake George Park Commission, among others. This opening is primarily for a person interested in defending such state agencies though opportunities for other environmental work, including investigative and affirmative work, exist for all attorneys in the bureau. Recent matters include defense of the Department of Transportation’s environmental review of its chosen alternative for replacing a major viaduct in Syracuse, defense of permits issued by the Adirondack Park Agency to allow treatment of invasive Eurasian milfoil in Lake George, and defense of an alleged regulatory taking involving freshwater wetlands.

Qualifications:

• • Applicant should have some experience litigating in federal or state courts, including performing several of the following: writing briefs (or portions of briefs), performing document review, conducting depositions or other witness examinations, appearing in court, and conducting or participating in settlement negotiations;
  • Alternatively, the Bureau will also consider applicants who have completed state or federal court clerkships as a substitute for hands-on litigation experience;
  • Excellent research, reasoning, and writing skills, including completing quality writing assignments in a short timeframe;
  • Comfort arguing (or learning to argue) before a court;
  • Self-directed with the ability to independently manage assignments, deadlines, and priorities;
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, particularly when engaging with members of the public, scientific and technical staff, expert and fact witnesses, administrative agencies, and other members of litigation teams; and
  • A demonstrated commitment to public service.

The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are seeking a diverse pool of candidates who are creative thinkers with strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to public service and social, economic, and criminal justice. Applicants who are members of groups underrepresented in attorney roles, which include but are not limited to Black, Latinx, Indigenous American, Asian and Pacific Islander persons; women; persons with disabilities; and LGBTQ+ persons are particularly encouraged to apply. Fluency in other languages is a plus, but not required.

Applicants must reside in (or intend to soon become a resident of) New York state and be admitted to practice law in New York state. In addition, the Public Officers Law requires that OAG attorneys be citizens of the United States. A two (2) year commitment upon being hired is a condition of employment.

The salary range for this position is $81,159 - $173,265. To learn more about attorney compensation, please visit the following page:

ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/assistant_attorney_general_compensation.pdf

As an employee of OAG, you will join a team of dedicated individuals who work to serve the people of our state through a wide variety of occupations. We offer a comprehensive New York state benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, and family-friendly policies. Additionally, OAG offers a robust Workplace Flexibilities Program with multiple options for employees, including telecommuting (up to two days per week) and alternative work schedules.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Applicants must be prepared to submit a complete application consisting of the following:

• Cover Letter: You may address your letter to the Legal Recruitment Unit. Indicate why you are interested in this position and what makes you a strong candidate. You may wish to include information about what life experiences you will bring to the position that will enhance OAG’s ability to better serve the diverse population of this state.
• Resume
• Legal Writing Samples: Please provide at least two writing samples (in the form of a brief, memo of law, or other advocacy piece you have largely written) that best demonstrate your legal writing and analytical abilities. Please upload these as one document using the field that is provided.
• List of three (3) references: Submit only professional references; supervisory references are preferred. For each reference, indicate the nature and duration of your relationship. Include contact information and email addresses for each reference. Please note that your references will not be contacted until after you interview for the position.