Associate Attorney: Lead Complex Civil Fraud Investigations (3674)

Division of Criminal Justice 

Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - New York City 

Special Assistant Attorney General, Civil Enforcement Division 

Reference No. MFCU/CED_NYC_SAAG_3674

Application Deadline is May 17, 2024

 The Civil Enforcement Division will consider applications from attorneys with prosecutorial experience who are seeking to expand their range of skills.

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) seeks experienced litigators to serve as Special Assistant Attorneys General in its Civil Enforcement Division (CED), which is based primarily in the Unit’s New York City office. The selected attorneys will lead complex civil fraud investigations in the healthcare industry, as well as litigate such matters in federal and state courts.  

The Medicaid program provides health coverage to millions of New Yorkers, including low-income persons, children, elderly adults, and people with developmental disabilities. MFCU is the nation’s premier law enforcement agency charged with ensuring the financial integrity of New York State’s $100 billion Medicaid program by investigating healthcare providers, such as pharmaceutical companies, doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes, who engage in Medicaid billing schemes that cause harm to Medicaid recipients and the loss of millions of dollars to the State of New York. MFCU also works to protect elderly and disabled New Yorkers by investigating reports of abuse and neglect in nursing homes and other residential health care facilities in the state.  

Possessing both civil and criminal enforcement powers, MFCU uses various state laws to bring civil actions and criminal proceedings, including asset forfeiture actions. Many of the Unit’s investigations are conducted in coordination with other federal, state, or local government and prosecutorial agencies, and have resulted in large-scale criminal convictions and the recovery of millions of dollars of taxpayer money.

Several recent matters that highlight MFCU’s important work include the OAG’s report concerning neglect of nursing home residents across New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent filing of four major lawsuits against nursing homes, including Centers Health Care, Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Fulton Commons Care Center, Inc.  

Additional recent significant cases include recoveries of: $26.8 Million from drug manufacturer Mallinckrodt, nearly $7 Million from home health agencies for cheating workers and Medicaid fraud, and $22.7 Million from a pharmaceutical company for its kickback scheme.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of four (4) years of practice experience, including substantial experience conducting pre-filing investigations and discovery (CED will consider applications from attorneys with prosecutorial experience who are seeking to expand their range of skills); 

• Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills; 

• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills;

• The ability to articulate the critical issues in a case accurately and concisely; 

• Sound judgment with the ability to work independently and as a productive team member fostering supportive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with staff at all levels of the organization;

• Technology proficiency that preferably includes knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office applications;

• Familiarity with case management software and eDiscovery platforms is desirable; and

• Prior deposition and trial experience 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.  

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 visit our careers website: www.ag.ny.gov/job-postings 

To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on May 17, 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 MFCU’s ability to better serve the diverse population of this state.

• Resume

• Legal Writing Sample

• List of three 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 the OAG and 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 the OAG, please visit our website: www.ag.ny.gov