Attorney: Affirmative Environmental Litigation for NYS(3872) in , us

Title

Attorney: Affinity Environmental Litigation for NYS (3872)

Agency

Attorney General, Office of the

Salary

$83,594 - $178,463 per year

Responsibilities

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Environmental Protection Bureau is seeking an experienced litigator for its Albany office. This position involves representing the state in environmental, public health, and energy matters in lawsuits in state and federal courts, 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 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. The bureau also defends in both federal and state courts the state’s executive agencies charged with environmental responsibilities, including the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, and Transportation; the Adirondack Park Agency; and the Lake George Park Commission, among others. This opening is primarily for attorneys interested in affirmative litigation and investigations to enforce state and federal environmental laws and regulations, although some part of the duties may include defensive litigation. Recent matters handled by the bureau’s attorneys include lead paint hazard enforcement in low‑income residential housing; leading a multistate coalition in litigation to help defend EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil‑fuel‑fired power plants; a natural resource damages action to recover for the lost use of a public park in an environmental justice community as a result of dumping contaminated construction site debris within the park; protecting agricultural sector workers and their families from pesticide exposures; and school bus engine idling enforcement. Attorneys also develop and litigate contaminated site cleanup cost recovery actions and have negotiated agreements regarding the decommissioning and cleanup of nuclear power plants and surrounding sites that are viewed as models.

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of complex civil litigation practice are required. However, applicants with more experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with litigation experience in clean energy, climate change, or other environmental or public health issues are ; or applicants may have other litigation experience with a strong demonstrated interest in these areas.
• Applicants should have experience litigating in federal and/or state courts, including 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.
• 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.
• Strong oral advocacy skills and comfortable arguing before a court.
• Ability to work with partner organizations and to help build coalitions.
• 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.
• 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 of the United States.
• A two (2) year commitment upon being hired is a condition of employment.
• Fluency in another language is a plus but not required.
• 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 LGBTQIA+ persons, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

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.

EEO Statement

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.