Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyOffice of Cannabis Management

TitleFirst Deputy Counsel (VID 175375)

Occupational CategoryLegal

Salary Grade665

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $137457 to $173664 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 5%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Albany

Street Address 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 9

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12226

Job Specifics

Duties Description Reporting to the General Counsel, the incumbent of this position will serve in the Office of Cannabis Management's (OCM) Office of General Counsel (the Office or OGC) and will help oversee the legal portfolio as directed, including but not limited to carrying out general legal responsibilities for OCM and the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The incumbent will interpret laws applicable to the OCM and CCB. General duties may include providing oral and written counsel to program staff; managing personnel matters; developing regulations, memoranda of understanding; and drafting and reviewing legislation. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate. The incumbent will also be expected to attend meetings as needed, provide legal advice to committees and councils, and communicate well internally and externally.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Assist the General Counsel to manage the workflow of the Office, and assign projects and tasks as needed.
• Directly supervise M-4 level deputy counsels/supervising attorneys and several M-3 level associate counsels/attorneys, including the following:
o Lead litigation counsel on all litigation commenced against OCM and by OCM, including federal court, state court, and internal administrative hearing proceedings; interagency litigation initiatives; and coordination with Office of Attorney General.
o Lead licensing and compliance counsel on all licensing application processes, reviews, selections, and compliance matters.
o Other counsels working on and providing advice to OCM units involved in regulatory development, social and economic equity programs, FOIL, legislation, and agency operations.
• Supervise legal and administrative assistants in all phases of the execution of their duties and responsibilities, as necessary.
• Review and advise the General Counsel on all final OCM documents intended for publication.
• Review and advise the General Counsel on all legal opinions issued by OCM or the Office.
• Ensure that all legal memoranda or opinions are timely prepared, well-written, and well supported with citations and legal precedents.
• Provide legal counsel, advice, and strategies in support of the OCM and CCB.
• Ensure OCM business units receive timely assistance from assigned attorneys and assist with attorney’s support of the program units as needed.
• Ensure all staff are receiving appropriate training, mentoring, and supervision. Participate in and assist with the design, development, and implementation of Memoranda of Understanding and Service-Level Agreements, or other agreements.
• Prepare program bill packages as requested, including bill summaries, text of proposed legislation and supporting memoranda relating to laws affecting the OCM and CCB, and evaluate, comment, and make recommendations on legislation in the field of cannabis law proposed by other governmental agencies, legislators, and the private sector.
• Supervise and assist as necessary with the development of rules and regulations in support of OCM’s and CCB’s business units including processing in accordance with the State Administrative Procedure Act.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates must have a law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and seven years of relevant post-bar experience.

Preferred qualifications:
• 5 years of experience as an attorney providing legal advice on matters relating to the cannabis industry, including but not limited to business formation, licensing, regulatory matters, and/or litigation.
• 10 years of active practice of law while licensed as an attorney in New York State.
• 3 years of managerial and supervisory experience as an attorney in a law firm or government agency
• 2 years of experience as an attorney employed in a state government agency.

Additional Comments 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 for 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).


NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

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.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Contact Information

Name Human Resources/AS

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 ApplyingPlease submit a resume and cover letter detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications. Indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number of each position you are applying to.