Attorney

Law Department; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Remote Work

Citywide Pilot Program

Job summary

The New York City Law Department seeks a Senior Counsel in its Risk Management Division to counsel agencies on mitigating legal risk through program changes, waivers, and indemnifications. The role emphasizes data-driven risk assessment, proactive preservation, and cross-divisional collaboration to support litigation strategy.

Candidates should have five+ years of litigation experience and NYS Bar admission, with strong writing, oral advocacy, and interdepartmental coordination skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of litigation experience after law school.
• Admission in good standing with the New York State Bar.
• Excellent judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Advise agencies and elected officials on risk-related matters and program changes.
• Collaborate with divisions to expand preservation and data management for litigation defense.
• Oversee court-appointed monitorships and assess their impact on litigation.

Skills

Litigation experience

Oral advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Counseling & coalition building

Public service commitment

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Description

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Counsel in its Risk Management Division. The Risk Management Division works with agency partners to evaluate existing processes and operations, based on risks identified in litigation, and counsels agencies on how to mitigate their legal risk through recommended program changes or, where applicable, waivers and indemnifications.

Attorneys in the Division leverage available data to identify potential future risks with a goal of prevention and work with other Divisions within the Law Department to understand the risks associated with their work and collaborate to mitigate those risks. Division attorneys also advise agencies and elected officials on the risks associated with contemplated and proposed programs. In addition, attorneys coordinate with the Electronic Discovery Group to expand on the Law Department’s existing preservation program to include training all relevant agencies and staff on the importance of early evidence preservation and assisting the agencies in establishing a preservation program if one does not currently exist. Attorneys also play a major role in all court appointed monitorships, providing oversight to track whether the agencies are meeting their obligations and analyze and track the impact of these monitorships on related pending litigation across the Law Department. Division attorneys also help agencies create and maintain a proactive data management process so that, when lawsuits are filed, the Law Department has the data it needs to defend the lawsuits and either dispose of them without settlement or reach an equitable settlement agreement.

This position provides attorneys with opportunities to develop their legal counseling and analysis skills. The role is particularly suited for attorneys seeking meaningful public service, particularly in legal counseling.

Salary Information

• 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:

• Flexible Remote Work: Allows limited, irregular work from home days.
• 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.

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL - 30112

Minimum Qualifications

The Risk management Division is dedicated to providing outstanding legal services. Accordingly, candidates must have at least five years of litigation experience after graduating from an ABA accredited law school. Candidates must also be admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar. Candidates should also possess a demonstrated history of excellent judgment and sound decision-making skills and be creative problem-solvers who are adept at counseling and coalition building. The ideal candidate also will possess excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral advocacy skills with substantial legal experience. Experience in risk management and prior municipal law experience are preferred, though not required. Candidates must possess a commitment to public service and the Law Department values of excellence, dedication, diversity, integrity, justice, professional development, respect, supportive work environment, and teamwork.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

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.