The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel in its Tort Division. The Tort Division represents the City, its agencies, and its employees when acting within the scope of their duties in all tort claims brought in State court. The Division manages a high-volume caseload through thorough investigation, vigorous defense, and, when appropriate, settlement or trial.
Attorneys in the Division’s city-wide Borough Units conduct statutory hearings and depositions; draft pleadings, motions (affirmative and responsive), and discovery responses; and manage document discovery. Attorneys also appear for preliminary, compliance, settlement, and TAP conferences, as well as oral argument on motions. In addition, attorneys participate in the Division’s trial rotation program and second-chair opportunities, which involve investigating and preparing all aspects of trial, performing factual and legal research, securing evidence, developing trial strategy, interviewing and preparing witnesses, drafting motions, jury charges, trial and post-trial submissions, and negotiating settlements.
Salary Information
The Law Department sets salaries for new attorneys based on their post law school legal experience, which typically aligns with their law school graduation year.
For 0-5 years of legal experience: $ 87,737-$122,300
For 5-10 years of legal experience: $122,300-$137,188
For 10-15 years of legal experience: $137,188-$159,521
For 15-20 years of legal experience: $159,521-$180,791
For 20+ years of legal experience: $180,791-$188, 235
Candidates with highly specialized experience may qualify for salaries slightly above these ranges when a role requires such expertise or the position is considered hard to fill.
Work From Home Options
Following orientation, attorneys may elect to participate in one of two remote work programs:
1. Flexible Remote Work: Allows limited, irregular work from home days.
2. Citywide Pilot Program: Allows attorneys to work remotely on two set days per week, subject to Division approval and staffing needs. Participants must maintain a single designated remote work location, and in person obligations take precedence over scheduled remote days. This pilot is currently being tested across City agencies and is not yet permanent.
To apply, click the Apply Now button. Upload your cover letter and resume together as one document under "cover letter." Upload your writing sample and a list of three professional references (with contact information) together as one document under "resume."
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL - 30112
The Tort Division is dedicated to providing outstanding legal advocacy on behalf of the city. Accordingly, applicants must have one year of civil litigation experience after graduating from an ABA-accredited law school. Applicants must also be admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar. Strong interpersonal and communication abilities are essential, as the role involves frequent interaction with City employees, agency representatives, opposing counsel, and colleagues across the Law Department.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.