Description
Social Justice Division
Chief Deputy Attorney General—New York City
Reference No. SJD_CDAG_NYC_3904
Application Deadline is October 2, 2026*
Salary is $239,880 + $4,000 in location pay
To be considered for this opportunity, submit a complete application online at ag.ny.gov/job-postings/attorneys
Senior Management Opportunity for Attorneys
The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is seeking an attorney with demonstrated organizational leadership experience to serve as Chief Deputy Attorney General (CDAG) of the Social Justice Division. The CDAG is a member of the Attorney General’s senior leadership team and reports to the First Deputy Attorney General. The CDAG leads the division and manages the legal practice and operations. The division, which is responsible for investigating and enforcing laws that protect the interests of the state and the rights of New Yorkers, is comprised of the following bureaus: Charities, Civil Rights, Environmental Protection, Health Care, Labor, Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office, Office of Immigrant Trust, Real Estate Finance, and the Housing Protection Unit. There are more than 330 attorneys and other professional and legal support staff in the division.
The following is a description of each of the bureaus in the Social Justice Division:
The Charities Bureau has broad authority to oversee organizations that have charitable assets and conduct charitable activities. The bureau protects donors and beneficiaries from fraud by ensuring donations are used as donors intended. The bureau regulates charities and their fundraisers to ensure their compliance with New York statutes that require registration with and financial reporting to OAG. The bureau also investigates and commences litigation against charities that misuse assets, engage in misleading solicitations, and/or violate their fiduciary duties. In addition to enforcing the applicable laws, the bureau conducts outreach to charities through public speaking engagements, written guidance, and symposia to provide them with information that supports their compliance with the law.
The Civil Rights Bureau (CRB), which includes the Voting Rights and Hate Crimes Sections, enforces federal, state, and local laws that protect New Yorkers from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, source of income, immigration status, or disability. The CRB's docket reflects its commitment to combating discrimination and its effects, ensuring equality of opportunity, and promoting inclusion. In addition to investigations and litigation, the CRB engages in community outreach, public education, and other advocacy efforts.
Environmental Protection Bureau
The Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) is focused on advancing environmental justice throughout the state. The EPB enforces state and federal environmental laws that protect New Yorkers’ rights to clean air, clean water, and safe, and healthy communities, and conducts investigations into violations of those laws. The EPB also defends in both federal and state courts the state’s executive agencies charged with environmental responsibilities.
The Health Care Bureau (HCB) is committed to protecting consumers from deceptive or illegal practices and to ensuring access to health care by bringing civil prosecutions for violations of health, insurance, deceptive practice, antidiscrimination, and other applicable laws. The HCB also advocates for legislation and policy initiatives to enhance the rights of health care consumers and their ability to access quality, affordable care in New York state.
The Housing Protection Unit investigates landlords, brokers, real estate agents, and others for violations of federal, state, and local law regarding housing. The unit brings enforcement actions to protect tenants and ensure safe housing throughout the state.
The Labor Bureau brings civil and criminal prosecutions for violations of minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wage, protections against discrimination and retaliation, and other critical labor and employment laws. The bureau also represents state agencies such as the Commissioner of Labor, the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board, and the Workers’ Compensation Board in their enforcement and administration of labor laws.
Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office
The Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (LEMIO) investigates local law enforcement officers and agencies for allegations of corruption, fraud, use of excessive force, criminal activity, conflicts of interest, or abuse as well as patterns and practices of police misconduct. The LEMIO is responsible for investigating complaints, examining departmental policies and procedures, and making recommendations for reform, including disciplinary action.
The Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT) enforces state laws that govern state and local involvement with federal civil immigration enforcement. These laws limit the use of state and local resources for civil immigration enforcement, prohibit law enforcement and other agencies from 287(g) agreements with the federal government, prohibit localities and jails from agreements to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations, and strengthen protections for students. The OIT ensures compliance with these state laws to strengthen public safety and trust in state and local institutions.
The Real Estate Finance Bureau (REF) regulates the offer of syndications and cooperative interests in realty, such as cooperatives, condominiums, timeshares, homeowners associations, and senior living communities. The REF also regulates the conversion of rental buildings to condominiums and cooperatives and the initial offer of certain affordable housing developments and ensures all broker-dealers of real estate securities register with OAG.
Qualifications:
- At least ten (10) years of legal experience with a focus on developing and bringing complex civil litigation;
- Prior supervisory and leadership experience, including managing legal teams;
- Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills; and
- A demonstrated commitment to public service.
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. In addition, the Public Officers Law requires that OAG attorneys be citizens of the United States. A two (2) year commitment upon being hired is a condition of employment.
The salary range for this position is $239,880 plus $4,000 in location pay. 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 by email. To apply, please submit your complete application, including each of the items identified below, to Recruitment@ag.ny.gov. Applicants must indicate both the position title and reference number (Chief Deputy Attorney General, SJD_CDAG_NYC_3904) in the email subject line and in their cover letter.
*Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. To ensure consideration, please submit your application as soon as possible.
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. Include the position title and reference number (Chief Deputy Attorney General, SJD_CDAG_NYC_3904). 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 Sample
- Reference List: Submit a list of three (3) professional 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.
The OAG provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you have questions regarding a position with OAG, the application process, or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at recruitment@ag.ny.gov or phone at 212-416-8080.
For more information about OAG, please visit our website: ag.ny.gov
