Description
State Counsel Division
Litigation Bureau – New York City
Assistant Attorney General
Reference No. LIT_NYC_AAG_3846
Application Deadline is February 20, 2026
Salary Range: $83,594 - $178,463 + $4,000 in location pay
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 (OAG) is seeking experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Attorneys General in the Litigation Bureau (New York City office).
The bureau represents and defends the state of New York and its agencies, officials, and employees in civil actions and proceedings in federal and state courts involving a broad range of subject areas arising out of state legislation, regulations, and operations. The bureau’s cases are often high profile, frequently present complex questions of constitutional law and statutory and regulatory interpretation or have significant policy and financial implications for the state.
The bureau’s attorneys are assigned to sections within one of three (3) practice groups, which are organized according to specific client agency groupings:
- The Administrative and Regulatory Services Practice Group (ARSPG) is comprised of three (3) sections that principally represent the state’s commercial and transportation agencies; judicial, environmental, and labor agencies; and educational agencies.
- The Health and Human Services Practice Group (HHSPG) is comprised of three (3) sections that principally represent the state’s public health agencies; mental health agencies; and social services agencies.
- The Law Enforcement Practice Group (LEPG) is comprised of three (3) sections that principally represent the state’s public safety agencies.
Across the three practice groups, the bureau’s attorneys handle all phases of litigation from inception through trial with frequent opportunities to appear in court. In the Litigation Bureau, attorneys are generalists who handle a wide variety of cases and substantive issues including constitutional challenges to statutes and regulations enforced by their client agencies; labor and employment litigation emanating from their client agencies’ role as employers; challenges to administrative decisions and determinations made by their client agencies; and civil rights litigation, such as First Amendment retaliation, Fourth Amendment excessive force, and Fourteenth Amendment due process claims.
In addition to offering a diverse and stimulating litigation practice, attorneys experience a unique balance of both independent and collaborative work; generally manage their own cases, including development of case strategy, drafting briefs, and presenting at oral arguments; and are supported by a team of litigators that prioritizes cooperation, professional development, and teamwork. This position provides an excellent opportunity for both experienced and newer attorneys to continue developing their litigation and trial skills.
Qualifications:
- At least three (3) years of post-graduate civil litigation experience in federal and New York state courts;
- Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills;
- Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills;
- Comfort with and proficiency using technology to complete legal work, including knowledge of and experience with various computer software programs and case management and electronic discovery platforms; and
- Prior complex litigation and trial experience are preferred but not 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. Prior admission, or eligibility for admission, to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York is also required for this position. In addition, the Public Officers Law requires that OAG attorneys be citizens of the United States. A two-year commitment upon being hired is a condition of employment.
The salary range for this position is $83,594 - $178,463 + $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.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via this link:
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 both the position title and reference number (e.g., “Assistant Attorney General, LIT_NYC_AAG_3846”). Please specify your preferred practice group(s): Administrative and Regulatory Services Practice Group (ARSPG), Health and Human Services Practice Group (HHSPG), and/or Law Enforcement Practice Group (LEPG). 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 Samples: Please provide at least two (2) writing samples (trial court memoranda of law are preferred) that you believe best demonstrate your legal writing and analytical abilities. Please upload these as one document in the field that is provided.
- Reference List: Submit a list of three (3) 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.
