Associate Attorney: Defend NYS Public Safety Agencies, 3625

Full Job Description

Suitable candidates must possess the following minimum 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 to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York is preferred. 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.

Duties Description

The Law Enforcement Practice Group (LEPG) of the Litigation Bureau in the Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is seeking experienced litigators to serve in the New York City office.
The Litigation Bureau represents and defends the State of New York and its agencies, officials, and employees in federal and state courts in civil actions and proceedings involving civil rights, education, social services, public employment, public health, law enforcement, corrections, state finance, insurance, taxation, and other litigation matters 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, one of the largest within the OAG, 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 position provides an excellent opportunity for both experienced and newer attorneys to continue developing their litigation and trial skills.
Attorneys assigned to the LEPG primarily defend the State’s public safety agencies—including the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), State Police, Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and their officials and employees—in federal and state courts in civil actions involving constitutional and civil rights, as well as employment issues. The LEPG also handles a number of class actions and complex litigations concerning challenges to important governmental programs and policies in the corrections and criminal justice fields. LEPG’s litigation addresses a wide range of issues, including first amendment rights of freedom of religion and speech, accommodation of mental and physical disabilities, the second amendment right to bear arms, and constitutional challenges to state statutes, regulations and policies. Attorneys handle all phases of litigation and appear regularly in court. The LEPG also has a very active docket of federal jury trials. Over the past year nearly all attorneys assigned to the LEPG have tried a federal case to verdict, with several participating on multiple trial teams.
The attorneys assigned to the LEPG work in small teams called “Sections”, which are led by a Section Chief and in most instances also a Deputy Section Chief, which affords the LEPG attorneys significant access to and support from supervising attorneys, as well as opportunities for collaboration with peer attorneys.

Additional Comments

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: 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.

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