Senior Attorney (NY HELPS)

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets • Albany County, NY, NY

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Senior Attorney or Assistant Attorney to work at their Department Headquarters in Albany, NY. Under the supervision of an Associate Attorney, this position provides a full range of technical legal services in support of Department programs. This position serves as a legal advisor to program administrators, policy analysts, and division staff in the day-to-day operation of these programs, with a primary focus on issues involving the Department’s Division of the State Fair. This position may also work with the Department’s Divisions of Agricultural Development and Land and Water Resources as a legal advisor for the grant programs administered by these divisions. A significant portion of the work will involve providing assistance with the development of procurement documents including Requests for Proposals and Invitations for Bid and reviewing and drafting contracts and MOUs, working with agency staff and the Office of State Comptroller and the Office of the Attorney General as necessary.
The incumbent may prepare legal analyses, memoranda, guidance, and Department position statements related to issues arising from the Department’s administration and enforcement of the Agriculture and Markets Law, as well as issues impacting the state’s agricultural industry in general. The Senior Attorney or Assistant Attorney provides legal review of FOIL requests, including the review of agency records, and identifies and drafts legislative amendments and/or rulemakings which may be necessary or beneficial to achieving the core mission of the Department. The incumbent consults with program managers, obtains program staff input, and provides guidance on legal issues. Additionally, the incumbent researches requests and inquiries from Executive and agency program managers, reviews agency programs from a legal viewpoint, analyzes legislation proposed by others for legal sufficiency and/or its effect on agency programs, and represents the Department in administrative proceedings.
The Senior Attorney or Assistant Attorney is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. This position is located at 10B Airline Drive, Albany, New York. Our office is conveniently located near the Albany International Airport and offers free parking. Opportunities for telecommuting are available in accordance with the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Requirements

• Admission to the NYS bar
• Two years of post-licensure professional legal experience

Nice To Haves

• 3 months to less than 1 year of Legal Experience in Procurements, Grants, and Government Contracts and Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)
• At least novice experience in Advisory Memoranda Legal Tasks

Responsibilities

• Provides a full range of technical legal services in support of Department programs.
• Serves as a legal advisor to program administrators, policy analysts, and division staff.
• Provides legal advice on issues involving the Department’s Division of the State Fair.
• May work with the Department’s Divisions of Agricultural Development and Land and Water Resources as a legal advisor for grant programs.
• Assists with the development of procurement documents including Requests for Proposals and Invitations for Bid.
• Reviews and drafts contracts and MOUs.
• Prepares legal analyses, memoranda, guidance, and Department position statements.
• Provides legal review of FOIL requests.
• Identifies and drafts legislative amendments and/or rulemakings.
• Consults with program managers and provides guidance on legal issues.
• Researches requests and inquiries from Executive and agency program managers.
• Reviews agency programs from a legal viewpoint.
• Analyzes legislation proposed by others for legal sufficiency and/or its effect on agency programs.
• Represents the Department in administrative proceedings.

Benefits

• Inexpensive Health Insurance options
• Free Dental and Vision coverage
• NYS Pension Plan membership
• Generous paid time off
• 5 days of personal time (within the first year)
• 13 vacation days
• 13 sick days
• 13 paid holidays
• Potential eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level