City Of New York

Litigation Attorney

City Of New York$80K — $120K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Admission to the New York State Bar and maintenance of good standing throughout employment.
  • One year of legal experience in relevant areas after bar admission, or six months as an Agency Attorney Interne.
  • Experience with personal injury, civil rights/police, labor and employment law claims.
  • Background in negotiation and settlement of legal claims and disputes.
  • Ability to work on confidential and media-sensitive legal matters.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and resolve tort claims against the City prior to litigation.
  • Approve or deny requests for settlement authority from the Law Department.
  • Prepare detailed evaluations of claims to seek settlement authority approval.
  • Participate in settlement negotiations in various forums, including courts and mediation sessions.
  • Attend hearings on high-profile cases as necessary.
  • Assist with risk management initiatives involving confidential matters.
  • Undertake special projects and related assignments as required.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a high-stakes legal environment influencing New York City governance.
  • Engagement in complex legal negotiations with the potential for broad public impact.
  • Exposure to diverse areas of law, including civil rights and employment.
  • Collaboration with senior legal professionals in a supportive environment.
  • Involvement in intergovernmental risk management initiatives.
Full Job Description
The New York City Comptroller's Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. Led by an independently elected citywide official, the comptroller's office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long-term challenges we face together. Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlement of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and, when in the best interest of the city, settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City of New York. In resolving claims before litigation is commenced, BLA protects the fiscal interest of the City while ensuring that pre-litigation claims are resolved in a fair and just manner, and in accordance with applicable laws. BLA furthers this goal in its review, evaluation, and authorization of requests to settle litigated cases involving the City and through diligent administration of disputes arising out of City contracts. BLA manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends, as well as, coordinating with the Law Department and other City agencies on issues that impact the public fiscal and public safety. Under the New York City Charter, the Comptroller has the power to settle or adjust all claims in favor of or against the City of New York. The Comptroller exercises this power through the Bureau of Law & Adjustment (BLA). Based on the BLA's review and investigation of any claim, the City of New York may extend an offer to settle the claim. If the claim cannot be settled pre-litigation, the claimant may choose to pursue the matter through the courts. The New York City Law Department handles matters pursued through the courts, but Comptroller approval (through BLA) is required prior to settling any case in litigation. Reporting directly to a Senior Attorney and indirectly to the Deputy Director, duties for the position include, but are not limited to, the following: Using independent judgment and applying appropriate standards of law to: - Evaluate, negotiate, and resolve personal injury, civil rights/police, labor and employment, and other tort claims against the City of New York and its agencies prior to commencement of litigation; - Approve, deny, or otherwise appropriately act on Law Department requests for settlement authority; - Prepare memoranda on pre-litigation claims and pending litigation handled by the Law Department or outside counsel to independently evaluate liability, risk, and damages in order to request settlement authority approval beyond individually delegated authority; - Participate in settlement negotiations in state and federal courts, alternative dispute resolution forums, at the Law Department in out-of-court discussions, and in direct communication with counsel; - Attend 50-h hearings on high-profile and media-sensitive matters as necessary; - Assist Senior Attorneys and Directors on intergovernmental risk management initiatives involving highly confidential and/or media-sensitive matters; - Perform other related assignments and special projects as may be required. AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087 1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below. 2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or 3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086). Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment. In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements: To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

About City Of New York

The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world. City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more.

City of New York Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at the City of New York—the hub of professional growth and innovation in the public sector.

Work You’ll Do

Join the City of New York’s dynamic team to contribute to the community and enhance the city’s services across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The City of New York offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that impacts the lives of millions while navigating through a career filled with learning and growth. Transform the metropolitan landscape and enrich the lives of its residents with the best minds in public administration, urban planning, and community services. The City of New York stands at the forefront of urban management and innovation. Lead with a unique position in public service, at the intersection of technology, community needs, and sustainable development. Work alongside a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving city operations and enhancing the quality of urban life. Collaborate with the largest network of public service experts in the nation, fostering leadership, diversity training, and professional development.

Introducing the City of New York Public Service Careers

The team is building a market-leading public service career path to help professionals master their roles and contribute effectively to the city’s development.

Do Innovative Work

Join a vast network of experts—dedicated professionals at the intersection of governance, community service, and urban innovation.

Drive Change in Public Service

Deliver targeted solutions and policies that enhance city living and maintain New York as a leading global city through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s second to none.

Be Part of a Great Team

Engage in a wide range of city projects utilizing cutting-edge technology and strategies, harnessing the unparalleled capabilities, scale, and collaborative spirit of a dedicated public service team.

Future-proof Your Career

Advance your career with limitless opportunities in the public sector, supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support.

Explore

From improving city infrastructure to enhancing public safety, the City of New York offers a platform for professionals to apply their skills, innovate, and lead.

The City of New York Public Service Initiative

The combined efforts of various departments help overcome urban challenges and lead transformation in city management. Professionals around the globe look to the City of New York for new strategies and solutions to drive significant change and growth in urban living. ## Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. The City of New York looks for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH CITY OF NEW YORK JOBS

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