Assistant Attorney General, Extreme Risk Protection Order Unit (3744)

Regional Affairs Division

Extreme Risk Protection Order Unit – Plattsburgh

Assistant Attorney General

Reference No. ERPO_PLA_AAG_3744

Application Deadline: January 17, 2025

Salary Range: $81,159 - $173,265

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit a complete application via this link.

The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is hiring a talented and motivated attorney to work on a statewide initiative to protect New Yorkers from gun violence. In 2022, Governor Hochul signed Executive Order 19 which directs the New York State Police (NYSP) to file Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). The OAG is charged with representing the NYSP in final ERPO hearings held in Supreme Courts throughout the state. ERPOs are a critical part of New York’s efforts to promote public safety and keep its residents safe from gun violence. These positions offer an exciting opportunity to help shape the state’s practice in this important area of the law.

The attorney will represent the NYSP in obtaining ERPOs, civil court-issued orders pursuant to CPLR Section 6343, that prohibit people who are found to be dangerous to themselves or others from temporarily purchasing or possessing a firearm, rifle, or shotgun. This is a fast-paced practice area, and the attorney will gain experience conducting witness interviews and preparing for testimony, evidentiary hearings, and other hearing-related tasks. The attorney will be responsible for identifying and gathering relevant records and preparing witnesses in a compressed timeframe.

The selected attorney will be part of a team of colleagues doing this work throughout the state, sharing experience, training, and resources. The selected attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and report to the attorney in charge (AAGIC) of the Plattsburgh Regional Office. While this attorney will be based at OAG’s Plattsburgh Office, this position involves regular travel primarily within the North Country, including but not limited to, Franklin, Clinton, Essex, and Warren Counties, for court appearances and witness interviews and may include occasional overnight trips.

In addition to their work on ERPO matters, the AAG’s duties will include representing the state in other types of defensive and affirmative litigation and community engagement. Regional offices represent the state, its agencies, and officers in a wide range of federal and state court litigation, affirmative and defensive, and engage in community outreach.

Qualifications:

·        At least two (2) years of post-graduate legal experience is required;

·        Prior litigation experience is a plus;

·        Strong writing, organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills; and 

·        A demonstrated commitment to public service.

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 $81,159 - $173,265. To learn more about attorney compensation, please visit the following page:

ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/assistant_attorney_general_compensation.pdf

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. 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 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.