Lateral Attorney: Enforce NYS & Fed. Labor/Employment Laws

Social Justice Division

Labor Bureau—New York City

Assistant Attorney General

Reference No. LAB_NYC_AAG_3731

Application Deadline is November 22, 2024

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Labor Bureau is seeking an attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in the New York City office.

The Labor Bureau has been nationally recognized for aggressively enforcing labor standards, especially in low-wage industries where exploitation of workers is common. Specifically, the Labor Bureau brings civil and criminal prosecutions for violations of minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wage, protections against discrimination and retaliation, protections against labor trafficking, and other critical labor and employment laws. Recent enforcement actions have targeted wage theft in a variety of industries, including ride share home health care, retail, hospitality, nail salons, residential buildings, and laundry facilities as well as employer retaliation against immigrant workers for asserting legal rights. The Labor Bureau has also taken on emerging abuses like requiring workers to sign sweeping noncompete agreements and mischaracterizing workers as independent contractors. Besides the AAG’s own affirmative investigations, the Labor Bureau also represents New York state agencies in their enforcement of labor laws, defensive litigation in state and federal court that often raises similar substantive issues.

The AAG will manage their own investigations and cases, including formulating strategies, developing investigations, and leading litigation. The AAG will interview witnesses, analyze data and documents (including electronically stored information), take subpoena hearings, draft pleadings and legal briefs, argue motions, take depositions, and negotiate settlements. In addition, the AAG will conduct community and intergovernmental outreach and work on legislative proposals.

Qualifications:

• Applicants with a minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate legal experience are preferred, however, the bureau will consider well-qualified applicants who have fewer years of experience;
• Prior civil litigation experience, including engaging in discovery and motion practice, is desirable;
• Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to public service;
• Knowledge of major state and federal labor and employment laws and experience working with communities of low-wage workers is a plus; and
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred 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.

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. To learn more about AAG compensation, please visit the following page: https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/assistant_attorney_general_compensation.pdf. 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online. To apply, please visit ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys

To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on November 22, 2024.

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 the Labor Bureau’s ability to better serve the diverse population of this state.
• Resume
• Legal Writing Sample
• List of three (3) references
• Only submit 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.

If you have questions regarding a position with OAG, the application process, or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at recruitment@ag.ny.gov or phone at 212-416-8080.

For more information about OAG, please visit our website: ag.ny.gov