Social Justice Division
Civil Rights Bureau—New York City
Assistant Attorneys General
Reference No. CRB_NYC_AAG_3751
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 dedicated attorneys to serve 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 priorities include responding to unlawful and discriminatory practices in the following areas: access to education; equal employment opportunities and sexual harassment in the workplace; fair housing; fair lending and access to credit; immigrant rights; police misconduct; access by individuals with disabilities; the rights of the LGBTQ community; language access; religious rights; reproductive rights; and voting rights.
The bureau’s docket reflects its commitment to combating discrimination and its effects, ensuring equality of opportunity, and promoting inclusion across New York state. In addition to litigation, the bureau engages in significant community outreach and public education and other advocacy efforts.
Qualifications:
· Applicants who have a minimum of four (4) years of post-graduate legal experience with a focus on civil litigation experience, including engaging in discovery and motion practice are preferred. However, the bureau is seeking applications from attorneys who have a wide range of skills and experience to offer. Therefore, interested attorneys who have more than the minimum years and well-qualified attorneys who have fewer than the minimum years of experience are encouraged to apply;
· Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills;
· Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills;
· Experience in affirmative state court practice, fair housing, LGBTQ rights, and/or disability rights is preferred; and
· Fluency in a second language is a plus.
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.
As head of the Department of Law, the Attorney General is both the “People's Lawyer” and the State's chief legal officer. As the “People's Lawyer,” the Attorney General serves as the guardian of the legal rights of the citizens of New York, its organizations and its natural resources. In fulfilling the duties of the State’s chief legal counsel, the Attorney General not only advises the Executive branch of State government, but also defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the State.
The Attorney General serves all New Yorkers in numerous matters affecting their daily lives.The Attorney General's Office is charged with the statutory and common law powers to protect consumers and investors, charitable donors, the public health and environment, civil rights, and the rights of wage-earners and businesses across the State.
The Attorney General's authority also includes the activities and investigations of the State Organized Crime Task Force and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. While the Attorney General acts independently of the Governor, the Governor or a state agency may request the Attorney General to undertake specific criminal investigations and prosecutions.
The legal functions of the Department of Law are divided primarily into five major divisions: Appeals and Opinions, State Counsel, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice and Social Justice.
Over 1,800 employees, including over 700 attorneys, as well as forensic accountants, legal assistants, scientists, investigators, and support staff, serve in the Office of the Attorney General in many locations across New York State.