Closing Date: 21st November, 2025
Description:
The Office of the New York State Attorney General's (OAG) Labor Bureau (https://ag.ny.gov/about/about-office/social-justice-division#labor) is seeking an attorney to serve in the Defensive Section to represent the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) in enforcing labor standards and workers' statutory rights. The attorney is responsible for defending against state and federal court challenges to DOL enforcement and in appeals from administrative decisions of the DOL and the New York State Industrial Board of Appeals, which decides initial appeals from many DOL orders. This work may also involve appearing in bankruptcy court in cases where the DOL has filed claims. Additional duties include defending challenges to recently enacted or amended New York state labor laws, such as the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act and related changes to the State Employee Relations Act; defending appeals from administrative decisions of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board and/or Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board; and defending the Workers' Compensation Board, the Commissioner of Labor, and/or the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board in Article 78 or other litigation. Finally, there may be opportunities to assist with affirmative investigations and litigation brought by OAG to enforce labor standards and workers' rights (where legal issues often overlap those in the defensive cases). This position is located at the New York City office and reports to the Defensive Section Chief.Qualifications:
- A minimum of five (5) years of post-graduate legal experience, preferably including appellate and/or litigation practice;
- Excellent legal analysis, research, writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills;
- Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills;
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and workers' rights;
- Fluency in Spanish or other languages spoken by many New York workers is a plus; and
- Knowledge in the following areas of legal practice is also a plus:
- Major state and federal labor employment laws, particularly Articles 6 and 19 of the New York Labor Law and/or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act;
- New York State Workers' Compensation Law;
- Article 18 of the Labor Law;
- New York Civil Practice Law & Rules, particularly Article 78 practice; and/or
- Bankruptcy law.
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 $83,594 - $178,463 plus $4,000 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
