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 the claim, the City of New York may extend an offer to settle the claim. If the claim cannot be settled, the claimant may choose to pursue the matter through the courts. The New York City Law Department handles matters pursued through the courts, but it requires prior approval of the Comptroller prior to settling any case.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Litigation, duties for the Agency Attorney position include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Using independent judgment and applying appropriate standards of law:

1) Evaluate, negotiate, and resolve claims against the City of New York and its agencies prior to commencement of litigation.
2) Approve or deny Law Department recommendations for settlement.

- Prepare memoranda on pre-litigation claims and pending litigation handled by the Law Department to request settlement approval beyond delegated settlement authority;

- Participate in settlement negotiations in state and federal courts, alternative dispute resolution forums, and the New York City Law Department;

- 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; and

- Perform other related assignments as directed.

- Performing other related assignments and special projects as may be required.


SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) or more years of progressively responsible experience performing highly complex and significant legal work subsequent to admission to any bar. Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

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.

- Litigation experience, preferably defense work, in the areas of torts, medical malpractice, employment, and or civil rights litigation - At least 18 months of litigation experience that includes handling all aspects of tort litigation, including but not limited to taking depositions, motion practice, oral arguments, preparing and conducting trials, engaging in settlement conferences and negotiations, or adjusting personal injury claims - Strong negotiation and mediation skills - Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills and - Excellent interpersonal and organization skills (including Microsoft Office Suite proficiency).

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.