Associate Counsel

Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant post-bar experience in civil litigation, including, but not limited to, article 78 proceedings and/or appeals.
• Strong oral and written legal advocacy, research and writing skills.
• Experienced in civil litigation, including e-filing, discovery, implementation of litigation holds and associated data collection, motion practice, Article 78 administrative proceedings, trials, appeals, in addition to subpoena and FOIL responses.
• Skilled at legal analysis, legal writing, task management and prioritization.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills that can be utilized productively working both independently and on a team.
• Proficiency using technology to complete legal work, including knowledge of and experience with various computer software programs, case management systems and electronic discovery platforms or the aptitude to learn and utilize new technology.
• The ability to learn, comprehend and apply unfamiliar and complex legal statutes as well as provide related legal advice and guidance.
• Experience working with NYS ABC Law preferred but not required.

Duties Description

The incumbent to this position would be responsible for, but not limited to the following:
Under the general supervision of the General Counsel and Deputy Counsel, the Associate Counsel will serve as the lead civil litigation attorney representing the agency in Article 78 proceedings, appeals and other civil litigation, engaging in complex legal work in the area of alcoholic beverage control in the state. This may include, but is not limited to, providing the following legal services to all SLA bureaus, project teams and the executive team:

• Responsible for all stages of civil litigation, including but not limited to, conducting legal research and analysis, drafting and filing legal papers and representing the agency during the entirety of the litigation to include representing the SLA at proceedings and in court.
• Engage in legal analysis and interpretation of ABC-related laws, rules, regulations and policies, and provide legal conclusions.
• Collaborate in legislative evaluation, comments, recommendations and in drafting proposed legislation related to SLA matters as required.
• Assist with legal research and drafting legal opinions. Provide general legal research and draft responsive memoranda on issues arising within SLA bureaus as required.
• Perform factual investigations and provide strategic advice/assistance to agency executives and staff on legal matters and adherence to applicable legal requirements and policies.
• Assist other agency attorneys and staff in responding to FOIL requests and/or appeals as required.
• Supervise the activities of subordinate staff, to include providing training and guidance and monitoring work assignments.
• Educate staff and assist with training opportunities as needed.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information, legal opinions, and legal interpretations from the General Counsel, Deputy Counsel and other agency staff as assigned.
• Provide clear written and oral communications of legal conclusions.
• Act as a liaison between the SLA and the Attorney General's Office in the defense and prosecution of litigation to which the SLA is a party.
• Adhere to all SLA and Counsel's Office policies and procedures and advise agency personnel on compliance with and implementation of such policies, procedures, and guidance as needed.
• Assist on special projects and assignments as needed. Interact with a diverse group of colleagues as an engaged team member. Build professional relationships with partners in other government agencies
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy Counsel to include other legal, administrative and office support tasks as assigned.