Senior Attorney Office of Cannabis Management 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY

Reporting to an Associate Counsel, the incumbent of this position will serve in the Office of Cannabis Management’s Office of General Counsel and will manage a portion of the legal portfolio, including but not limited to writing draft laws and regulations, interpreting statutes, and carrying out general legal responsibilities for the Office of Cannabis Management (Office) and the Cannabis Control Board (Board). Incumbent will interpret laws applicable to the Office and Board. General duties may include: provide oral and written counsel to program staff; develop regulations, memoranda of understanding; and draft and review 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.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda with opinions and citations and legal precedents in support of Office and Board programs, including the social and economic equity component of the mission.
• Provide legal counsel, advice and strategies in support of the Office and Board.
• Respond to daily requests arising from interaction with OCM business units or as assigned by the Associate Counsel and General Counsel.
• Participate in and assist with the design, development, and implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and Service-Level Agreements, or other agreements.
• Prepare program bill packages as requested including bill summary, text of legislation and supporting memoranda relating to laws affecting the Office and Board, and evaluate, comment, and make recommendations on legislative proposals in this area by other agencies and the private sector.
• Assist as necessary with preparation and finalization of rules and regulations in support of the Office’s and Board’s business units including processing in accordance with the State Administrative Procedure Act.
• Provide counsel and guidance with respect to adherence to ethical considerations as circumstances may arise and to compliance with obligations to report activities to appropriate databases and authorities.