NYS Department of Environmental Conservation · 13 hours ago
Senior Attorney / Assistant Attorney 1 / 2 / 3 - NY HELPS
Albany, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$67K/yr - $121K/yrThe NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is focused on implementing climate change initiatives, and they are seeking a Senior Attorney to provide legal support for the Climate Change Superfund Act. The role involves offering legal counsel, conducting legal research, and representing the Department in various administrative proceedings related to climate, air, and energy matters.
Environmental ConsultingNon ProfitOutdoors
No H1B
Responsibilities
Provides timely legal advice to Department programs, Executive staff, and Office of General Counsel management regarding climate change, air resources, and energy-related matters, as assigned
Acquires and maintains foundation in applicable State and federal laws, rules, and regulations, Department policy, and applicable State and federal decisions
Meets with the Section Chief for Climate Investment and Market Programs and Bureau Chief, and other Office of General Counsel management to discuss legal issues
Meets with Office of Climate Change, Division of Air Resources, and other program staff to review facts and desired objectives
Identifies potential issues or problem areas and provides recommendations
Provides counsel to staff in multiple programs and regions in understanding regulatory requirements, identifying potential issues, and recognizing the potential precedential impact of decisions
Reviews and provides comment on program-related guidance, memoranda, policy statements, and other documents
Responds to inquiries regarding interpretation of applicable laws and procedures, including regarding the Climate Change Superfund Act, Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, State Environmental Quality Review Act, State Administrative Procedure Act, and Uniform Procedures Act
Reviews program-related documents in response to Freedom of Information Law requests or discovery or other information requests
Conducts legal research and prepares legal documents, including litigation or adjudication papers, legal memoranda, and other recommendations, on issues related to climate change, energy, and air resources
Conducts legal research of novel areas of law in areas such as potential regulation of greenhouse gases, or policies to adapt to climate change
Reviews and edits documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and avoid potential legal problems
Assists in the development of regulatory documents, including in support of the Office of Climate Change and Division of Air Resources
Drafts letters, legal memoranda, and other documents in support of both existing and anticipated programs to protect the State's resources and the environment
Assists in the preparation of comments regarding proposed federal regulations, as well as State and federal legislation, in order to support the Department's interests
Represents the Department in settlement negotiations regarding Climate Superfund Act and other Bureau matters
Conducts legal and factual research to become familiar with cases and their value as precedent
Meets with relevant office programs, chiefly Division of Air Resources, to review facts and explore potential areas of settlement and negotiation strategies
Develops strategy for case in consultation with appropriate staff
Consults with principals and executives regarding the direction of a case, the ability to settle regarding certain issues, and the potential impact and consistency of decisions on Departmental policies
Meets with outside parties to represent the Department's interests in negotiations
Represents the Department in administrative/adjudicatory proceedings before the Department and other state or Federal agencies, and serves as liaison attorney with the Office of the Attorney General in cases that reach litigation
Researches law and facts for each case
Prepares and coordinates filing/service of documents, including briefs and other materials, for each proceeding
Assists the Office of the Attorney General in any resulting litigation, including through the preparation of documents, compiling of records, and explanation of programmatic impacts
Coordinates Department staff assigned to a particular case, including in providing input from multiple Departmental program areas, explaining staff’s role in the process, and serving as primary point of contact to represent the Department
Represents the Department at hearing, including through direct and cross-examination of witnesses
Prepares Department staff to serve as witnesses, including in the development of pre-filed testimony as well as direct, and cross-examination
Ensures compliance with numerous environmental laws implemented by the Department in the context of administrative hearings and litigation
Maintain a good working relationship internally and with other partners and stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney General
Ensure that the Department’s perspective, policies, and goals are considered in developing litigation strategy
Qualification
Required
Graduate of an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree and/or be eligible to take the New York State Bar examination
If you are not admitted to the NYS Bar within two years of appointment, your appointment will be terminated
Currently in the title and an employee of DEC or previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis
One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 16 or higher and either eligible for transfer under Section 70.4 or eligible for transfer under Section 52.6
Permanent competitive service as a Senior Attorney or Senior Attorney Realty
55b/c candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program
Open competitive candidates are required to have the selective criteria that is listed within the duties description
Benefits
Holiday & Paid Time Off
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
Shift & Geographic pay differentials
Affordable Health Care options
Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
NYS Deferred Compensation plan
Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
And many more...
Company
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The dedicated professionals of New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are passionate about the outdoors and protecting the environment.
Founded in 1970
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2024-11-07Grant
Leadership Team
Christina McLaughlin
Urban and Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator
Nathaniel Barber
Chief Legal Information Officer
Recent News
Central New York Business Journal
2025-12-05
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