Assistant Division Chief & Lead Counsel, Complex Claims

Office of the New York City Comptroller; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the New York City Comptroller is seeking an Executive Agency Counsel to lead the Law Division’s claim resolution and settlement activities. The role requires supervising attorneys and staff, negotiating prelitigation claims, and advising on complex legal matters for City contracts and PPB rules.

The incumbent will coordinate with the New York City Law Department and various agencies, ensuring compliance with statutes, policies, and timely dispute resolution.

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar and four years of recent full‑time legal experience, post‑bar.
• Eighteen months of supervision of other attorneys in a managerial or executive role.
• Excellent handling of administrative, litigation management, and policy matters.

Responsibilities

• Advising and counseling the division on a wide variety of complex legal matters, including contract interpretation and administration.
• Investigating, evaluating, and negotiating prelitigation claims and related disputes.
• Monitoring, evaluating, negotiating, and approving settlements of lawsuits, including class actions.
• Attending and representing the Comptroller’s Office at settlement conferences in federal and state courts.
• Drafting concise memoranda recommending settlements outside delegated authority.
• Supervising division staff and managing performance and workflow.
• Assisting the Division Chief to improve operational efficiency and procedural compliance.
• Designing new procedures for effective claim resolution and acting as liaison with other bureaus.

Skills

Staff supervision

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Writing ability

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Prioritization

Education

New York State Bar admission

Job description

Office of the New York City Comptroller is seeking an Executive Agency Counsel to lead the Law Division’s claim resolution and settlement activities. The role requires supervising attorneys and staff, negotiating prelitigation claims, and advising on complex legal matters for City contracts and PPB rules.

The incumbent will coordinate with the New York City Law Department and various agencies, ensuring compliance with statutes, policies, and timely dispute resolution.