The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is looking for a skilled and accomplished leader to serve as Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Investigations and Trials (BITs). Reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Legal Affairs, the Assistant Commissioner will oversee all disciplinary matters in BITs as the Department’s engine on accountability, deterrence, and organizational integrity. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Conduct a comprehensive review of BITs operations, including organizational structure, staffing, workflow, and investigative methods. Develop and implement a thorough organizational structure and process to ensure efficiency, accountability, and consistent enforcement of the Department's rules and regulations; Revise and promulgate Department policies that seamlessly integrate accountability and performance standards into all facets of the Department’s operations; Investigations & Trials: Oversee the resolution of disciplinary cases from investigation to final decision, ensuring each outcome promotes deterrence, fairness, and organizational accountability; Use professional judgment to assess each case, deciding whether to settle, proceed with stepped hearings, or move to a full trial before the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH); Manage and guide staff attorneys in preparing and litigating cases before OATH, ensuring effective trial advocacy, compelling evidence presentation, and compliance with legal and contractual standards. Personally handle investigations, hearings, and trials of high-profile or significant cases; Operational Oversight: Upgrade case management systems, data analysis, and tracking tools to boost transparency, productivity, and performance measurement. Lead attorneys, investigators, and staff to foster a results-oriented, collaborative, and accountable team environment. Represent FDNY with key internal and external stakeholders. Offer strategic advice and legal guidance to leadership on high-profile or sensitive cases affecting the Department.

EXECUTIVE AGENCY COUNSEL - 95005

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

Extensive experience in trial litigation, administrative law, labor & employment law, or investigative/prosecutorial roles. Proven ability to evaluate and resolve cases at all stages, including negotiations, settlements, stepped hearings, and trials. Experience conducting or managing administrative trials at OATH or similar forums is highly desirable. Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage operational demands while ensuring fairness and compliance. Experience working with unions, oversight bodies, or law enforcement/public safety organizations is strongly preferred.

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, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City Residency is not required for this position

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.