Attorney-Environmental, Public Health & Energy Matters (3609)

Division of Social Justice

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.

Environmental Protection Bureau New York City

Assistant Attorney General

Reference No. EPB NYC AAG 3609

Application Deadline is October 6, 2023

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Environmental Protection Bureau is seeking a litigator to serve in the New York City office.

This position involves representing the State in environmental, public health, and energy matters in affirmative and defensive lawsuits in state and federal court, and in proceedings before administrative agencies.

The Environmental Protection Bureau enforces state and federal environmental laws that protect New Yorkers’ rights to clean air, clean water, and safe and healthy communities, and conducts investigations into violations of those laws;

the Bureau also defends in both federal and state courts the State’s executive agencies charged with environmental responsibilities.

The Bureau is focused on advancing environmental justice throughout the State, including addressing the inequitable distribution of pollution and other environmental health burdens, and associated health disparities.

Recent matters handled by the Bureau’s attorneys include recovering damages for a contaminated park due to dumped construction debris, safeguarding agricultural workers from pesticides, enforcing lead paint rules in low-income housing, and addressing school bus idling.

Attorneys also develop and litigate contaminated site cleanup cost recovery actions, and recently negotiated agreements regarding the decommissioning and cleanup of nuclear power plants and surrounding sites that are viewed as national models.

Bureau attorneys also regularly defend state agencies when they are sued in state and federal courts concerning environmental matters, including the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health and Transportation;

the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; and the Pine Barrens Commission, among others.

Qualifications for the Assistant Attorney General position include the following :

• Applicant should have some experience litigating in federal or state courts, including performing several of the following : writing briefs (or portions of briefs), performing document review, conducting depositions or other witness examinations, appearing in court, and conducting or participating in settlement negotiations;
• Alternatively, the Bureau will also consider applicants who have completed state or federal court clerkships as a substitute for hands-on litigation experience;
• Excellent research, reasoning, and writing skills, including completing quality writing assignments in a short timeframe;
• Comfortable arguing (or learning to argue) before a court;
• Self-directed with the ability to independently manage assignments, deadlines, and priorities;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, particularly when engaging with members of the public, scientific and technical staff, expert and fact witnesses, administrative agencies, and other members of litigation teams;
• A demonstrated commitment to public service.

The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are seeking a diverse pool of candidates who are creative thinkers with strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to public service and social, economic, and criminal justice.

Applicants who are members of groups underrepresented in attorney roles, which include but are not limited to Black, Latinx, Indigenous American, Asian and Pacific Islander persons;

women; persons with disabilities; and LGBTQ+ persons are particularly encouraged to apply. Fluency in other languages is a plus, but not required.

Applicants must reside in (or intend to soon become a resident of) New York State and must be admitted to practice law in New York State.

Additionally, 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.

As an employee of the OAG, you will join a team of dedicated individuals who work to serve the people of our State through a wide variety of occupations.

To learn more about Assistant Attorney General compensation, please visit the following page : https : / / ag.ny.gov / sites / default / files / assistant attorney general compensation.

pdf. We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision and retirement benefits, and family-friendly policies.

Additionally, the OAG offers a robust Workplace Flexibilities Program with multiple options for employees, including telecommuting (up to two days per week) and alternative work schedules.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online.

To ensure consideration, applications must be received by close of business on October 6, 2023.

Applicants must be prepared to submit a complete application consisting of the following :

Cover Letter

• You may address to Legal Recruitment.
• Please explain why you are applying for the position, why you are a strong candidate, and why diversity in the legal profession is important.

Resume

Legal Writing Samples

• Please provide at least two writing samples (in the form of a brief, memo of law, or other advocacy piece you have largely written) that best demonstrate your legal writing and analytical abilities.
• Please upload these as one document using the field that is provided.

List of three (3) references

• Only submit professional references; supervisory references are preferred.
• Indicate the nature and duration of your relationship to each reference.
• Include contact information and email addresses for each reference.
• Please note, your references will not be contacted until after you interview for the position.

If you have questions regarding a position with the OAG and the application process or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at recruitment@ag.

ny.gov or phone at 212-416-8080.

For more information about the OAG, please visit our website : www.ag.ny.gov

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