Attorney: Defend/Represent NYS in Cannabis Law Litigation(3721)

Division of State Counsel

Litigation Bureau – Albany or New York City

Special Litigation Counsel

Reference No. LIT_SLC_3721

Application Deadline is October 18, 2024

The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced litigator to serve as a Special Litigation Counsel, with a primary focus on defending the Office of Cannabis Management, the Cannabis Control Board, and their respective officers and employees in civil actions and proceedings brought in New York federal and state courts. The selected candidate will join a team of attorneys who represent and defend 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 Special Litigation Counsel will develop an expertise on a defined set of issues related to cannabis law. In that context, the Special Litigation Counsel will work across divisions within the OAG to ensure a consistent approach in similar matters; engage in, co-litigate, and coordinate defensive litigation; monitor important litigation within New York and nationwide; stay abreast of relevant legal developments; act as a liaison with other states facing similar cannabis litigation; and partner with the OAG’s policy team to review, monitor, and comment on legislative proposals and policy initiatives. This position will be seated in the Litigation Bureau in either Albany or New York City and report to the Bureau Chief. Frequent travel within New York State is required.

Duties:

• Serving as lead attorney on significant and/or complex civil litigation from complaint through trial;
• Drafting and editing written work product;
• Significant prior civil jury trial experience in federal and New York state courts;
• Prior experience litigating emergency applications for judicial relief, such as temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions, including handling preliminary injunction hearings; and
• Performing non-litigation assignments and special projects, as well as other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of post-graduate civil litigation experience in federal and New York state courts with a focus on the handling of complex litigation;
• Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills;
• Comfort with and experience using technology to complete legal work, including knowledge of and experience with various computer software programs and case management and electronic discovery platforms; and
• Enjoys working with and assisting a large group of attorneys.

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, or eligibility for admission, to the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of New York will be required for this position. In addition, the Public Officers Law requires that OAG attorneys be citizens of the United States.

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 www.ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys

To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on October 18, 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 your location preference: Albany or New York City.
  • 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 Samples
  • Please provide at least two writing samples (trial court memoranda of law are preferred) that you believe best demonstrate your legal writing and analytical abilities.
  • Please upload these as one document in the field that is provided.
• 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