Legal Positions with the State of New York

If you are considering relocating to New York, a government job with the State of New York might be an excellent way to smooth the transition. J.D. graduates who are eligible to take the New York Bar exam and students within two months of graduation can apply to the New York State Department of Civil Service. Although NY bar admission is not required at initial hiring, it is necessary for continued employment.

The Department of Civil Service requires applicants to register for “Examination 20-131, Legal Specialties” which does NOT require that you take a test and does NOT require an examination date. It does require an “Education and Experience” exam which means that an applicant is required to complete several forms so that the applicant’s education and experience can be compared to that of other applicants. Because positions at many different agencies are filled through this exam, your ranking may be different for different jobs (if you have an engineering degree, for instance, you may receive additional points for an opening with the Department of Transportation).

More information can be obtained from www.cs.state.ny.us .