Investigative Counsel (Buffalo)

Offices of the Inspector General (“OIG”) comprise three offices led by Inspector General Lucy Lang:

• The Office of the New York State Inspector General (“NYSIG”), established by Executive Law Article 4-A, investigates complaints of fraud, corruption, criminal activity, conflicts of interest, and abuse in New York State executive branch agencies, including the New York State Gaming Commission since June 2021.
• The Office of the New York State Welfare Inspector General (“OWIG”), established by section 74 of the Executive Law, maintains the integrity of New York State’s public assistance programs.
• The Office of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General (“WCFIG”), established by section 136 of the Workers’ Compensation Law, investigates violations of laws and regulations pertaining to the workers’ compensation system.

OIG has office locations in Albany, Buffalo, Hauppauge, New York City, Suffern, and Syracuse.

About the role

OIG seeks an experienced attorney to serve as an Investigative Counsel, conducting confidential and sensitive investigations into allegations of fraud, abuse, corruption, conflicts of interest, and other criminal activity involving New York State agencies, employees, and those doing business with the State. These investigations frequently involve state contracts, procurements, abuses of public benefits, and white-collar offenses.

Responsibilities

• Direct teams of OIG investigators and auditors in planning and executing investigations, ensuring all legal and evidentiary requirements are met.
• Coordinate and conduct witness and target interviews.
• Prepare written reports and letters documenting investigative activities and findings.
• Refer matters for prosecution to applicable federal, state, and/or local prosecutors when criminal conduct is uncovered.
• Work with jurisdictional agencies to improve policies and establish best practices.
• Serve as a liaison to external agencies and law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels.

Requirements

• Admission to practice and good standing with the bar of the State of New York.
• Minimum of three (3) years of legal experience, preferably within an investigative context.
• Background in white-collar criminal investigations or prosecutions, government contracting and procurement processes, or complex frauds (e.g., insurance, health care) is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize large volumes of information and explain complex matters for public consumption.
• Strong legal research skills and proficiency using relevant research databases and open-source resources.
• Experience conducting interviews and/or depositions in an investigative context.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams; supervisory experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong judgment, strict adherence to confidentiality, collegial attitude, self-starter mentality, ability to work independently, and adept multitasking skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel for case-related purposes and work unscheduled hours if necessary.
• New York State residency and a valid driver’s license are required.

Pay

Approved salary range: $93,659 - $118,388 (Grade M-1 equivalent), commensurate with experience.