Criminal Section Chief, Labor Bureau (3748)

Social Justice Division

Labor Bureau – New York City

Criminal Section Chief

Reference No. LAB_NYC_CSC_3748

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Salary Range: $156,032 - $178,569 + $3,400 in location pay

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

The Office of the New York State Attorney General is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the Criminal Section Chief in the Labor Bureau in New York City. The bureau investigates and litigates civil actions for violation of local, state, and federal employment laws. The bureau also investigates and brings criminal prosecutions for violations of minimum wage, overtime, and prevailing wage laws. The bureau has been nationally recognized for enforcing labor standards in low-wage industries such as rideshare, home health care,  fast food, car wash, and construction sectors.

The position offers a unique opportunity to supervise and help shape the bureau's criminal enforcement of New York's labor laws. The bureau focuses its criminal investigations on allegations of non-payment and underpayment of wages, and employers’ violations of workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws. In addition to enforcing labor laws, the bureau also investigates related offenses, such as grand larceny, scheme to defraud, false filings, and tax crimes.

Duties:

• Consulting and working collaboratively with the Criminal Justice Division to enhance the section’s mission;
• Overseeing investigative planning and leading and supervising team-based investigations of allegations of wage theft and other labor-related crimes;
• Presenting evidence to grand juries and conducting evidentiary hearings and trials in New York state courts;
• Reviewing memoranda and court filings including accusatory instruments, prosecution memoranda, search warrants, plea agreements, and motions;
• Carrying an individual docket of criminal matters as warranted by the section’s caseload; and
• Serving as the section’s primary point of contact for interagency and community relationships regarding potential criminal matters

Qualifications:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of practice experience, including substantial grand jury and trial experience that preferably includes the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes;
• Prior experience leading and supervising teams of attorneys, detective investigators, auditors, and support staff, as well fluency in other languages such as Spanish, are pluses;
• Experience working with multiple agencies and partners in the community;
• Excellent analytical, oral advocacy, writing, legal research, and organizational skills;
• Experience drafting and overseeing the execution of search warrants;
• Sound judgment with the ability to work equally well independently or as a productive team member;
• Demonstrated ability to foster a collegial and productive work environment; and
• Ability to travel occasionally throughout New York state as required for the section’s investigations, court appearances, and outreach.

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 $156,032 - $178,569 + $3,400 in location pay. 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. 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.