Job Description

The New York City Law Department is accepting applications from applicants who graduated law school in December 2023 or will graduate in 2024 for entry level Assistant Corporation Counsel positions to start in the Fall of 2024. These attorneys will perform basic legal tasks appropriate to their level of education and experience and, until admitted to the Bar of the State of New York, in a manner consistent with the Appellate Division practice orders. Depending upon the division to which they are assigned, they will draft briefs, pleadings and motions, perform legal research, take depositions, interview witnesses, draft contracts, draft legislation and make court and administrative agency appearances. Applicants may be placed in any division of the Law Department based on needs of the Law Department. Applicants selected to be in the Tort or Family Court Divisions may be placed in offices located in any of the five New York City Boroughs.

The great majority of our entry level attorneys will be assigned to our Tort Division, which defends the City of New York in personal injury and property damage cases primarily in State Court. Tort has entry-level Assistant Corporation Counsel positions in the Pre-Trial Unit or SLED Unit of the division. Pre-Trial Unit: Pre-trial attorneys handle cases while they are in discovery. They appear regularly in court to attend discovery or other status conferences and argue motions. Attorneys take and defend depositions, request and exchange discovery, engage in settlement negotiations, and write and argue substantive and procedural motions. Once they are experienced pre-trial attorneys, they also may serve as a 1st or 2nd chair of a trial, in addition to their pre-trial case responsibilities. State Law Enforcement Defense (SLED) Unit: Attorneys assigned to the SLED Unit represent police officers in cases involving claims of misconduct. Similar to the Pre-Trial Unit, attorneys in SLED are assigned to handle pre-trial matters on a variety of different cases.

To Apply: Please upload your resume and cover letter to apply for this position.

Recruitment Contact: Lillian Evans / Director of Legal Recruitment

Recruitment Email: recruitment@law.nyc.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must have graduated from an ABA approved law school in December 2023 or in 2024. Applicants must sit for the first available administration of the Uniform Bar Exam, New York Law Exam and Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam following graduation or have passed these exams during law school.

As the majority of our entry level attorneys are placed in heavy litigating divisions, the Law Department seeks candidates who have experience in moot court, trial advocacy, debate, public speaking, or litigation/mediation clinics or internships. Candidates should be committed to public service, pursuing justice and serving the common good. To best serve the City we represent, the Law Department seeks individuals from a variety of backgrounds who can bring different perspectives to contribute to the work of the office. The Law Department also seeks candidates who want to contribute to a work environment that values teamwork, inclusion and respect.

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.