Job Description

Division of Social Justice

Environmental Protection Bureau – Albany

Assistant Attorney General

Reference No. EPB_ALB_AAG_3656

Application Deadline is March 15, 2024

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) 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 in proceedings before administrative agencies. The EPB 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 EPB 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. In addition, opportunities for other environmental work, including investigative and affirmative work, exist for all attorneys in the Bureau. Recent matters include defense of the statutory and regulatory scheme implemented by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, defense of the Department of Transportation’s environmental review of its chosen alternative for replacing a major viaduct in Syracuse, and defense of permits issued by the Adirondack Park Agency to allow treatment of invasive Eurasian milfoil in Lake George.

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;
• Comfortable 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 must be admitted to practice law in New York State. Additionally, 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 the 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 Assistant Attorney General 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, the 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 click on the following link: EPB_ALB_AAG_3656.

To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on March 15, 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.
• Please explain why you are applying for the position, why you are a strong candidate, and why diversity in the legal profession is important.
• 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
• Only submit professional references; supervisory references are preferred.
• Indicate the nature and duration of your relationship to each reference.
• 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 the OAG and the application process or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at [email protected] or phone at 212-416-8080.

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

Job Categories: Environmental. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: See posting for details.

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