Associate Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description Reporting to a Deputy Counsel, the Associate Counsel will support OGC's licensing, compliance, and/or enforcement efforts. The Associate Counsel will be responsible for legal support to OCM's assigned portfolios, as directed by the Deputy Counsel, assisting with the review and drafting of legislation and regulations, and managing those assigned portfolios. The Associate Counsel will be responsible for supervising attorneys and legal assistants within OGC in furtherance of these responsibilities. The Associate Counsel will also be expected to attend meetings as needed, communicate well internally and externally, and be comfortable in the evolving field of Cannabis Law. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate.
Duties include but may not be limited to:
• Work in conjunction with attorneys, paralegals, and administration to create a framework and streamline administrative processes.
• Represent OCM in administrative hearings concerning compliance and licensing matters.
• Train Senior Attorneys or Assistant Counsels, as needed, to represent OCM in administrative hearings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda with opinions, citations, and legal precedents in support of OCM and Cannabis Control Board (CCB) programs.
• Provide legal counsel, advice, and strategies in support of OCM and CCB.
• Respond to requests arising from interaction with the public, including reviewing and developing FAQ's and other guidance affecting licensees and related stakeholders.
• Draft formal and informal comments on licensing, compliance, and enforcement legislation affecting OCM.
• Recommend revisions to existing laws and regulations affecting licensing and compliance matters in particular.
• Assist as necessary with preparation and finalization of rules and regulations in support of OCM's and CCB's business units, including processing in accordance with the State Administrative Procedure Act.
• Full range of supervisory function and responsibility, including reviewing/approving timecards, conducting performance reviews, and providing guidance and mentorship to subordinate staff.
• Other duties as assigned by the General Counsel, the First Deputy Counsel, or the supervising Deputy Counsel.
Minimum Qualifications 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:
• Experience as an attorney representing an agency in licensing and compliance/enforcement matters, including appearing in administrative proceedings, and drafting proposed regulations and legislation.
NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.
Additional Comments NOTE:
• Travel may be required (approximately 5%), including during evening and weekends, depending on mission and assignment.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver's License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants from all communities to apply. For a full version of OCM's EEO/AA statement and benefits of joining OCM, please visit: About | Office of Cannabis Management (ny.gov). NYS Office of Cannabis Management does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.
NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
Downstate: Location Pay of $4,000.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Human Resources/JHG
Telephone 518-473-5282
Fax 518-486-1631
Email Address HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Office of General Services, HRM
31st Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12242
Notes on Applying Please submit a resume and cover letter to HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications along with the month/year and, if less than full time, the average hours worked per week for each position listed. Indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number of each position you are applying to.