Section Chief: Environmental Affirmative Litigation (3839)

Social Justice Division

Environmental Protection Bureau – Albany

Section Chief, Affirmative Litigation

Reference No. EPB_ALB_SC_3839

Application Deadline is January 16, 2026

Salary Range: $160,713 - $183,926

To be considered for this opportunity, submit a complete application online at ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) is seeking an experienced litigator and legal supervisor to serve as Affirmative Litigation Section Chief in the Albany office. This position involves managing attorneys and other law office professionals representing the state in environmental, public health, and energy matters in lawsuits in state and federal court, and in conducting pre-litigation investigations and resolutions.

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 bureau 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. The bureau is a national leader in multistate federal environmental advocacy and litigation. Recent matters handled by the bureau’s attorneys include leading multistate coalitions in litigation challenging federal regulatory rollbacks, including protections for clean air, water, and toxic chemicals; advocacy to uphold EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and motor vehicles; lead paint hazard enforcement in low-income residential housing; and investigation into deceptive advertising regarding the safety of pesticide products harmful to honeybees and other pollinators. Attorneys also develop and litigate contaminated site cleanup cost recovery actions, as well as matters involving state and federal energy regulation.

The Affirmative Litigation Section Chief position is focused on affirmative litigation and investigations to enforce state and federal environmental laws and regulations. The candidate will manage and supervise the work of assigned attorneys in Albany and Buffalo, which will include substantive involvement and oversight. The Section Chief will lead recruitment efforts in their section and ensure compliance with office procedures. As a member of EPB’s management team, the Section Chief will collaborate and interact with other OAG and bureau managers on training and team initiatives. The Section Chief will be responsible for developing and managing complex civil law enforcement investigations and litigation and for managing a group of lawyers with diverse experience and skills. The Section Chief will supervise affirmative environmental litigation, including contaminated site cost recovery litigation, in both state and federal courts.

Qualifications:

• At least ten (10) years of civil litigation practice in state and federal courts including the following: writing briefs (or portions of briefs) and performing document review; experience conducting depositions or other witness examinations, appearing in court, and conducting or participating in settlement negotiations. Applicants with litigation experience in clean energy, climate change, hazardous waste or other environmental or public health issues are preferred; or applicants may have other complex litigation experience with a strong demonstrated interest in these areas.
• At least three (3) years successfully managing attorneys and/or litigation teams.
• Excellent research, reasoning, writing, and editing skills with the ability to collaborate with others to ensure quality and accuracy in the bureau’s written work product.
• Strong oral advocacy skills and comfortable arguing before a court.
• Ability to work with partner organizations to help build coalitions.
• Self-directed and organized 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.
• 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 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.

The salary range for this position is $160,713 - $183,926. The final salary will be set after a complete evaluation of the selected candidate’s qualifications.

As an employee of OAG, you will join a team of dedicated individuals who work to serve the people of our state through a wide variety of occupations. 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.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via this link:

https://lgr.ag.ny.gov/ords/f?p=136:10:::::P10_LGR_JOB_ID,P10_POSITIONTYPE,P10_LGR_WRITING_SAMPLE_IND:6751,7,Y

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 OAG’s ability to better serve the diverse population of this state.
• Resume
• Legal Writing Samples: Please provide at least two (2) 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.
• Reference List: Submit a list of three (3) 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.