Lateral Attorney: Represent/Defend New York in Litigation (3729)

Division of State Counsel

Litigation Bureau – New York City

Assistant Attorney General

Reference No. LIT_NYC_AAG_3729

Application Deadline is December 6, 2024

The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is seeking experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Attorneys General in the Litigation Bureau (New York City office).

The Bureau represents and defends the state of New York and its agencies, officials, and employees in civil actions and proceedings in federal and state courts involving a range of subject areas arising out of state legislation, regulations, and operations. The Bureau’s cases are often high profile, frequently present complex questions of constitutional law and statutory and regulatory interpretation, and generally have significant policy and financial implications for the state.

The bureau’s attorneys are assigned to a section within one of three (3) practice groups (please see below for additional details), which are organized according to specific client agency groupings. Across these practice groups, the bureau’s attorneys are generalists who handle a wide variety of cases and substantive issues including constitutional challenges to statutes and regulations; labor and employment litigation emanating from their client agencies’ role as employers; challenges to administrative decisions and determinations made by their client agencies; and civil rights litigation, such as First Amendment retaliation, Fourth Amendment excessive force, and Fourteenth Amendment due process claims. The bureau offers a diverse and stimulating litigation practice with attorneys handling all phases of litigation from inception through trial and having frequent opportunities to appear in court. This role also offers a unique balance of both independent and collaborative work, wherein attorneys generally manage their own cases, including development of case strategy, drafting briefs, and making arguments, while at the same time being supported by a team of litigators that prioritizes cooperation, professional development, and teamwork. This position provides an excellent opportunity for both experienced and newer attorneys to continue developing their litigation and trial skills.

The Administrative and Regulatory Services Practice Group (ARSPG) is comprised of three (3) sections that principally represent and defend: (1) the state’s commercial and transportation agencies including, among others, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Department of Financial Services, Department of State, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, Insurance Fund, Gaming Commission, Liquor Authority, Thruway Authority, Office of Cannabis Management, and Empire State Development; (2) the state’s judicial, environmental, and labor agencies including, among others, the Office of Court Administration, Unified Court System, Board of Law Examiners, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Labor, Division of Human Rights, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and Workers Compensation Board; and (3) the state’s educational agencies including, among others, the State Education Department, City University of New York, State University of New York, and Higher Education Services Corporation.

The Health and Human Services Practice Group (HHSPG) is comprised of three (3) sections that principally represent and defend: (1) the state’s public health agencies including, among others, the Department of Health, Office of the Medicaid Inspector General, and Office of Professional Medical Conduct; (2) the state’s mental health agencies including, among others, the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services; and (3) the state’s social service agencies including, among others, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Department of Health, and Office of Children and Family Services.

The Law Enforcement Practice Group (LEPG) is comprised of three (3) sections that principally represent and defend the state’s public safety agencies including, among others, the State Police, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Division of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Office of Victim Services.

Qualifications:

• At least three (3) years of post-graduate civil litigation experience in federal and New York state courts;
• Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills;
• Comfort with and proficiency using technology to complete legal work, including knowledge of and experience with various computer software programs and case management and electronic discovery platforms; and
• Prior complex litigation and trial experience are 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. Prior admission, or eligibility for admission, to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York is also required for this position. In addition, the Public Officers Law requires that OAG attorneys be citizens of the United States. A two-year commitment upon being hired is a condition of employment.

As an OAG employee, 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 Assistant Attorney General compensation, please click here. 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 are being received online. To apply, please visit our careers website: ag.ny.gov/job-postings

To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on December 6, 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 both the position title and reference number (e.g., “Assistant Attorney General, LIT_NYC_AAG_3729”).
• 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 (trial court memoranda of law are preferred) that you believe best demonstrate your legal writing and analytical abilities.
• Please upload these as one document in the field that is provided.
• 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