Special Counsel for Federal Initiatives (3681)

Executive Division

Special Counsel for Federal Initiatives – New York City

Reference No. EXEC_NYC_SC_3681

Application Deadline is May 17, 2024

The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced litigator to serve as Special Counsel for Federal Initiatives in the Executive Division. The Special Counsel will collaborate with teams in the OAG to protect the rights of New Yorkers by leading litigation in cases involving changes in federal laws and regulations with a focus on public safety, voting rights, workers’ rights, immigrants’ rights, climate change, reproductive health, economic equity, and discrimination. 

The Special Counsel will monitor legal and regulatory changes for their impact on New Yorkers and create opportunities for OAG participation in national litigation and policy advocacy. In addition, the Special Counsel will be responsible for representing the OAG on the national level and liaising with community groups, other states, state agencies, and local governments, as well as partnering with nonprofits and private attorneys on litigation and policy. The Special Counsel will also present at national conferences, draft policy papers and recommendations, and lead comments on pending legislation and regulation. This position will be located in the New York City office and report to the First Deputy Attorney General. 

Suitable candidates must possess the following qualifications:  

• At least five (8) years of post-graduate civil litigation experience in federal and New York state courts with experience handling constitutional litigation and actions under the Administrative Procedure Act;

• Experience coordinating with broad-based litigation teams; 

• Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills; and

• Experience building and maintaining coalitions.

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: https://ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys.

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 the OAG’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 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