Litigation Attorney

About the Role

The New York City Comptroller’s Office promotes the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. The Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), authorized by the New York City Charter, negotiates and approves all monetary settlements of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York. BLA investigates and settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City, protecting its fiscal interests while ensuring fair and just resolutions in accordance with applicable laws. The Comptroller exercises settlement authority through BLA, which also reviews and authorizes requests to settle litigated cases and manages disputes arising from City contracts.

Responsibilities

• 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 litigation.
• Approve, deny, or otherwise act on Law Department requests for settlement authority.
• Prepare memoranda on pre-litigation claims and pending litigation to independently evaluate liability, risk, and damages for settlement authority approval beyond delegated authority.
• Participate in settlement negotiations in state and federal courts, alternative dispute resolution forums, and out-of-court discussions 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 required.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either:
  • One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
  • Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Intern (30086).
• Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.
• For Assignment Level (AL) II: One year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in relevant areas of law.
• For Assignment Level (AL) III: 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 relevant areas of law.

Preferred Skills

• Litigation experience, preferably defense work, in torts, medical malpractice, labor and employment, and/or civil rights litigation.
• At least 18 months of progressively responsible, complex, and significant experience handling all aspects of tort litigation, including depositions, motion practice, oral arguments, trials, settlement negotiations, and adjusting personal injury claims.
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

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, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

New York City residency is not required for this position.