Staff Attorney - Government Law Center

Albany Law School – the nation’s top law school for government law according to PreLaw magazine – seeks a Staff Attorney to join its Government Law Center. The successful candidate will be appointed as either a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney, depending on experience. The Government Law Center at Albany Law School is a thinktank that provides nonpartisan legal and policy analysis on pressing issues facing state and local governments and prepares the next generation of lawyers and leaders in the public sector.

The Staff Attorney is responsible for legal research and writing, assisting with Government Law Center program development and implementation, and working with law students on Government Law Center initiatives while preparing them for careers in public service.

Essential Job Functions

• Under the supervision of the Director, conducts scholarly and policy-oriented research in the areas of law, governance, and public policy to advance the Center’s academic mission, inform public discourse, and support programmatic initiatives.
• In collaboration with the Director, supervises and mentors summer pre-law Fellows, GLC work-study students, and field placement students by providing guidance in research design, writing, and professional development, and by evaluating their work in support of Center projects.
• In coordination with the Director, develops and produces written publications in various formats, including research papers, policy briefs, and reports, based on the Center’s research and program activities, ensuring accuracy, scholarly rigor, and accessibility for diverse audiences.
• Assists the Director with the development and administration of GLC programs and initiatives, including attending planning meetings, drafting program proposals and budgets, and identifying and pursuing potential funding sources to sustain program growth.
• Ensures compliance with assigned grants and contracts by monitoring deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements, and by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to meet institutional and sponsor obligations.
• Supports the implementation and evaluation of GLC programs and special projects as assigned by the Director, providing research, logistical, and administrative support to enhance program quality and impact.
• Provides support for the general legal and administrative work of the GLC, including drafting and reviewing contracts, subcontracts, and memoranda of agreement or understanding, and ensuring alignment with policies and procedures.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director to support the Center’s academic, research, and service missions.

Salary Details: The estimated salary range for this position is $80,000-$95,000 per year. The salary offered will be based on the successful candidate’s relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and in consideration of internal equity. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, employer paid disability and life insurance coverage, 5% retirement contribution, CDTA bus pass, and generous time off.

Required Education: Doctorate/Professional

Additional Information: Hybrid/Remote is allowed.

Albany Law School is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all of its employment practices, without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status as transgender or gender transitioning, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. This position is offered subject to this commitment, and candidates will be considered on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to the aforementioned characteristics.

Celebrating its 175th Anniversary, Albany Law School is located in the heart of New York’s capital, which offers unparalleled access to state and federal courts, the legislature, and a wide range of private and public employers. Join us in continuing a tradition that has produced leaders in all areas of the legal profession, across every area of law, public service, and government including two U.S. Supreme Court Justices and a President of the United States.

Apply now to be part of Albany Law’s next chapter of excellence.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA approved law school
• Admission to the NYS Bar
• State or local government experience (including executive or legislative branch) and/or public policy experience in the non-profit sector is strongly preferred.
• Minimum five years of related experience in the public sector.
• Interest in one or more of the following areas: human services law, mental health law, health law, disability law, administrative law, environmental law, public sector ethics, non-profit law, or state and federal constitutional law.

Application Instructions

• Cover Letter
• Resume/curriculum vitae
• List of three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. The successful candidate will ideally start in early January.