Assistant Unit Chief, Special Litigation Unit, Tort Division

About the role

The Special Litigation Unit handles tort cases that present the most high-profile and highest-financial exposure to the City. 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.

Responsibilities

• Train, supervise, and evaluate attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs
• Oversee and appear at in-person meetings and virtual court appearances in all 5 boroughs, SDNY, EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary
• Draft papers and ensure timely compliance with deadlines and appearances
• Prepare and maintain various calendars, reports, databases, and more
• Regularly evaluate office processes and recommend and implement changes to promote efficiency, productivity, and quality
• Identify and retain expert witnesses
• Assist with recommendations for settlements
• Communicate with senior court personnel, Comptroller's representatives, City agencies, and other agencies
• Learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology
• Handle a small caseload through all phases of litigation

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar, Southern District of New York, and Eastern District of New York
• Substantial municipal-tort-related legal experience
• Exceptional organizational, managerial, and supervisory abilities
• Strong legal analytical skills
• Solid knowledge of municipal tort law, the CPLR, and evidentiary issues
• Knowledge of and experience in personal-injury-case evaluation and valuation of injuries
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment

Preferred Skills

• Trial experience and experience in Federal court is preferred, but not a prerequisite

Pay

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. 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.

• 0–5 years of legal experience: $87,737–$122,300
• 5-10 years of legal experience: $122,300–$137,188
• 10-15 years of legal experience: $137,188–$159,521
• 15-20 years of legal experience: $159,521–$180,791
• 20+ years of legal experience: $180,791–$188,235

Schedule

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.