Job Description
The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel in its Tort Division. The Tort Division’s Early Intervention Unit (EIU) is seeking motivated and detail oriented attorneys to join its Insurance Takeover Group (ITO), Pleadings and Representation Group, and to serve as Settlement Negotiators. EIU attorneys serve a vital role in assessing the City’s eligibility for insurance coverage from City contractors and insurance carriers, reviewing requests for legal representation from City employees and City contractors in civil tort actions, and ensuring the timely preparation and filing of responsive pleadings on behalf of the City and its employees. These positions offer a unique opportunity to engage in critical early-stage legal analysis and representation decisions that directly impact the City’s litigation posture.
Insurance Takeover (ITO)
Attorneys in the ITO group review insurance coverage and defense or indemnification requests from contractors, negotiate defense assumptions with insurers, and advise agencies on the City’s defense obligations. Attorneys supervise and consult with outside counsel and other City agencies in connection with the City’s defense in insurance takeover cases and in connection with the prosecution of affirmative actions against recalcitrant carriers. The role includes drafting and filing responsive pleadings, conducting legal and factual research, developing early case strategies, and reviewing contracts and insurance policies. Attorneys also conduct training seminars for new attorneys and insurance group paralegals, participate in intra and inter agency colloquia on a variety of insurance-related issues as needed, and assist EIU Claims Specialists.
Pleadings and Representation Group (PRG)
Attorneys in PRG evaluate representation requests from City employees in civil tort actions, ensuring timely preparation and filing of responsive pleadings. The role involves assessing Requests for Legal Assistance, advising agencies on defense responsibilities, conducting legal research, and reviewing relevant case materials.
Settlement Negotiator
Attorneys serving as Negotiators analyze cases for potential settlement, interview involved employees, and work with the City's Comptroller’s Office to lead or participate in negotiations. The role includes preparing or reviewing settlement documents, maintaining accurate settlement data, appearing at conferences and mediations, and advising on case valuation and negotiation strategy.
To ensure a broad and comprehensive range of skills and expertise, attorneys within the EIU are cross trained to perform duties across all practice areas. All applicants will be considered for each role.
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, admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar. The ideal candidate will bring strong civil litigation experience, including trial or settlement work, and the ability to independently manage a high volume, deadline driven caseload with accuracy and attention to detail. Candidates should have excellent legal writing, interviewing, and analytical skills, along with sound judgment in assessing complex and sensitive matters. 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.