Deputy Unit Chief, Special Litigation Unit, Tort Division

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 88,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York’s Law Department seeks a Deputy Unit Chief for the Tort Division’s Special Litigation Unit. The role oversees daily operations, policies, and staff, coordinating complex litigation across all five boroughs and federal courts.

You will develop strategies, supervise attorneys and staff, and manage calendars and reports to ensure deadlines and appropriate litigation results. Candidates must hold a J.D.

Qualifications

• Requires J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and admission in good standing with NYS Bar, SDNY, EDNY
• Substantial municipal-tort-related legal experience; strong organizational, managerial and supervisory abilities
• Solid knowledge of municipal tort law, CPLR, and evidentiary issues; experience in personal-injury case evaluation and valuation

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Special Litigation Unit and assist Unit Chief with policies and procedures
• Supervise attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs; evaluate performance
• Appear at in-person and virtual court appearances in all five boroughs, SDNY, EDNY, and other courts as needed
• Develop and implement litigation strategies, including settlements, dispositive motions, insurance takeovers, and trials as appropriate
• Prepare calendars, reports, databases, and other administrative duties; coordinate with court staff, adversaries, and external agencies
• Utilize electronic calendaring and department tools; supervise and train staff to enhance litigation skills
• Provide opportunities for public service and supervisory development within state and federal practice

Skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Supervisory abilities

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Calendaring software

Job description

Job Description

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy Unit Chief in the Tort Division’s Special Litigation Unit. The Special Litigation Unit handles tort cases that present the most high-profile and highest-financial exposure to the City.

The Deputy Unit Chief assists the Unit Chief in the oversight of the daily operations of the Unit. The Deputy is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures and the training, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs.

The Deputy must also oversee and make appearances at in-person and virtual court appearances and conferences in all 5 boroughs, the SDNY, the EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary.

The Deputy is also responsible for preparing and maintaining various calendars, reports, databases, lists, and other administrative duties.

The Deputy must also develop and implement litigation strategies including, but not limited to, settlement, dispositive motions, insurance takeovers, and/or trial where appropriate and ensure that deadlines are met.

The Deputy may also recommend and oversee the retention of expert witnesses and participate in the scheduling, conducting, and appearing at meetings with court staff, adversaries, City, state, and federal agencies, and other entities outside the Law Department such as the Comptroller’s Office.

Deputy Unit Chiefs also learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology.

This position provides attorneys with opportunities to develop their supervisory and litigation skills. The role is particularly suited for attorneys seeking meaningful public service, particularly while supervising others in state and federal practice on high profile matters.

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.

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL - 30112

Qualifications

The Tort Division is dedicated to providing outstanding legal advocacy. Accordingly, candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and be admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar, Southern District of New York, and Eastern District of New York. Candidates should have substantial municipal-tort-related legal experience; demonstrated exceptional organizational, managerial, and supervisory abilities; strong legal analytical skills; solid knowledge of municipal tort law, the CPLR, and evidentiary issues; solid knowledge of and experience in personal-injury case evaluation and valuation of injuries; strong negotiation skills; and excellent judgment and interpersonal skills.

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.