Review Vacancy
AgencyOffice of Cannabis Management
TitleAssociate Counsel - VID 182345
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $111925 to $141439 Annually
Duties Description The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is responsible for the regulation, licensure, and public health and safety of all cannabis and hemp operations in the state, as well as programmatic cannabusiness development. OCM leads the nation in its practice of centering equity and diversity in the opportunity of cannabusiness in communities statewide.
The Trade Practices Bureau (TPB) is a unit within OCM’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). Through investigations, collaboration, and partnership, TPB will work to hold accountable individuals and operations that undermine New York’s public interest goals in cannabis regulation.
Reporting to the Director of the TPB, the incumbent of this position will serve as the Deputy Director of the unit. The incumbent will spearhead various initiatives, support team development and hiring, and along with the Director develop practices, systems, and processes to operationalize the TPB team.
TPB will focus on regulatory offenses related to trade practice, including, but not limited to:
• Inversion, or other importation and/or purchase and/or sale of out-of-state cannabis or other unlicensed cannabis products.
• True Party of Interest (“TPI”) violations, including violations of regulations limiting investment types and amounts in cannabis businesses and any actions prohibited by the two-tier market, as well as impermissible loss or change of ownership and/or control of a licensed cannabis business including prohibited contractual agreements, terms, and arrangements resulting in undue influence.
• Threats to ownership and control, including but not limited to predatory loan and/or service agreements with a cannabis licensee that contravene cannabis law and regulations.
• License Stacking, such as the impermissible aggregation of licenses.
• Fraudulent licensee reporting, including fraudulent product and transportation manifests.
• Fraudulent business practices that impact the integrity of the cannabis market or cannabis licensees.
TPB builds cases through informal and formal reviews, including but not limited to interviews, record examination, data review, etc. With a formal review, TPB staff may compel witnesses by subpoena to testify and produce books, records, and other relevant documents. Following a review, TPB must present the matter for Cannabis Control Board, which can authorize OCM to bring an administrative action or file a case in state court.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Provide legal counsel, advice, and strategies in support of the mission, goals, and objectives of OCM and TPB.
• Brief the CCB and OCM leadership regarding TPB matters on behalf of the Director, as needed.
• Develop strategies for processing findings related to trade practice cases.
• Assist with developing reporting methods to effectively track and monitor all trade practice matters.
• Respond to questions or requests arising from interactions with the OCM business units or assigned by the Director or General Counsel.
• Assist with the establishment of systems to handle discovery holds and collaboration with FOIL or other counsel matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda with opinions, citations, and legal precedents in support of positions advanced and assigned to the program area.
• Supervise, train and mentor mid-level management attorneys, entry level attorneys, legal assistants, and data analytical staff in all phases of the execution of their duties and responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel and TPB Director.
Minimum Qualifications Candidates must have been admitted to the New York State Bar and must have had four years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
Additional Comments NOTE:
• Travel may be required (approximately 20%), 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.
The Office of General Services provides human resources support for the Office of Cannabis Management. To apply for this vacancy, candidates must email a detailed resume providing specific, verifiable information about their qualifying experience to HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov and they must reference the above posting number. This must be received in the OGS Division of Human Resources Management by the closing date, or your response will not be considered.
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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Office of General Services, HRM
31st Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
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.