Special Counsel for Fair Housing, Civil Rights Bureau (3750)

Social Justice Division

Civil Rights Bureau—New York City

Special Counsel for Fair Housing

Reference No. CRB_NYC_SCFH_3750

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Salary Range: $81,159 - $173,265 + $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 litigator to serve as Special Counsel for Fair Housing in the Civil Rights Bureau in the New York City office. The bureau enforces federal, state, and local laws that protect New Yorkers from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, source of income, and disability. The bureau investigates and civilly prosecutes alleged patterns of unlawful discrimination in a variety of arenas, including employment, housing, education, criminal justice, voting, lending, and places of public accommodation. The bureau’s docket reflects its commitment to combating discrimination and its effects, ensuring equality of opportunity, and promoting inclusion across New York state.

The Special Counsel for Fair Housing will focus on developing and leading investigations and litigation addressing discrimination in housing and mortgage lending, working with other attorneys, research and data analysts, and staff in the office. In addition, the Special Counsel will monitor changes in housing law and policy for their impact on New Yorkers and draft policy recommendations and comments when appropriate. The Special Counsel will also engage in community outreach, public education, and other advocacy efforts.  

Qualifications:

·        At least seven (7) years of post-graduate civil litigation experience, including experience in federal and state courts litigating civil rights matters;

·        Substantial experience with advocacy and litigation promoting fair housing and lending rights is strongly preferred;  

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

·        Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, project management, and teamwork skills.

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 + $3,400 in location pay. 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.