Attorney

New York State Senate; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York State Senate is seeking a full-time Attorney based in Albany to provide legal counsel to Senate offices, analyze proposed legislation, and draft memoranda on complex legal issues. The role emphasizes labor and employment matters and requires rigorous research, clear writing, and practical advice for policymakers and staff.

Candidates should hold a JD from an accredited law school and be admitted to practice in New York, with strong negotiation skills and a track record in

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and NY bar admission or eligibility.
• Experience in Labor and Employment Law, including public sector issues.
• Strong analytical and research abilities with clear, practical legal conclusions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for policymakers and staff.
• Effective negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to Senate offices and analyze proposed legislation.
• Draft and review statutory and regulatory language and memoranda.
• Advise on compliance with state and federal laws, especially labor/employment issues.
• Collaborate with legislators, staff, and external stakeholders; participate in negotiations.
• Prepare materials for committee hearings or other official proceedings.

Skills

Legal reasoning

Written & oral communication

Negotiation

Legal research

Policy analysis

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Admission to practice law in New York State

Tools

Legal databases

Job description

Company Description

The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and is composed of 63 elected members who represent diverse communities across the state. In addition to passing legislation and constitutional amendments, the Senate plays a key role in confirming or rejecting the Governor’s nominations for certain State and judicial offices. The Senate may also sit as a court of impeachment and can be convened in extraordinary session to carry out these specialized functions. The Lieutenant Governor serves as President and presiding officer of the Senate with a casting vote, while the Majority Leader, as Temporary President, presides in the Lieutenant Governor’s absence and is next in the line of succession to the governorship. Working for the Senate offers the opportunity to contribute to public service, shape state policy, and support the functioning of a major legislative body.

Role Description

The Attorney role is a full-time, on-site position based in the Albany, New York Metropolitan Area. The Attorney will provide legal counsel to Senate offices, including analysis of proposed legislation, review of legal issues related to State operations, and development of legal memoranda and opinions. Daily responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing statutory and regulatory language, and advising on compliance with State and federal laws, with a particular focus on labor and employment matters as needed. The Attorney will collaborate with legislators, staff, and external stakeholders, engage in negotiations and discussions regarding legislative and policy initiatives, and may assist in preparing materials for committee hearings or other official proceedings. The role requires consistent, professional interaction in a dynamic legislative environment and adherence to ethical and confidentiality standards.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law, with the ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Experience or coursework in Labor and Employment Law, including familiarity with public sector employment issues.
• Ability to provide clear, practical Legal Advice to policymakers and staff on complex legal matters.
• Proficient in legal Research, including use of legal databases and preparation of concise, accurate legal analyses.
• Effective Negotiation skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders on legislative and policy issues.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in New York State, or eligibility for admission within a defined timeframe.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with attention to detail in drafting and editing legal documents.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced public sector or governmental environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to public service, integrity, and maintaining confidentiality; prior legislative, government, or public policy experience is a plus.