State Counsel Division
Litigation Bureau – Albany
Assistant Attorney General, Federal Incarcerated Individuals Litigation Section
Reference No. LIT/FED_ALB_ AAG_3769
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
Salary Range: $81,159 - $173,265
To be considered for this opportunity, submit a complete application online at ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys
The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Litigation Bureau in Albany is seeking attorneys to handle federal litigation commenced by persons incarcerated in New York state prisons. Generally, the Litigation Bureau represents the state of New York and its agencies and officers in state and federal courts in proceedings relating to civil rights, education, social services, public employment, public health, law enforcement, corrections, state finance, insurance, taxation, and other litigated matters arising out of state operations and legislation.
This position is located within the bureau’s Incarcerated Individuals Litigation Section where cases primarily present questions of federal constitutional law, and statutory interpretation. Attorneys in the section handle all phases of litigation from pleading to discovery to motions. With satisfactory performance, attorneys in the section can expect to participate in trials, first as a limited second chair handling minor witnesses, with the possibility of advancing to conducting a trial as first chair. Attorneys in the section also handle certain matters filed in the New York State Supreme Court, including Article 78 Petitions filed by incarcerated individuals, and petitions for the New York State Department of Health to release vital records.
Qualifications:
· Applicants must be admitted to practice law in New York state;
· Excellent lawyering skills including research, writing, and legal analysis are required;
· Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills;
· Comfort with and proficiency using technology to complete legal work, prior knowledge of and experience using various computer software programs and case management and electronic discovery platforms is desirable; and
· Availability for some travel in New York state is required.
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: Please provide at least two writing samples that you believe best demonstrate your legal writing and analytical abilities, memoranda of law or appellate briefs are preferred. Please upload these as one document in the field that is provided.
· List of three (3) references: Submit only 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.