The New York City Law Department is seeking applications from experienced admitted attorneys for the position of Chief of our Legal Counsel Division. The Legal Counsel Division advises the Mayor, other elected officials, and City agencies on issues concerning virtually every area of municipal law. The Division provides the legal advice and crafts the legislative changes necessary to shape and implement policy initiatives. The Division is responsible for drafting State and local legislation proposed by the Mayor and City agencies and for assisting in the drafting of administrative rules. On a daily basis, Division attorneys field questions from City Hall and City agencies on issues of overriding importance to the City as well as those regarding day-to-day administration. Responding to such questions frequently involves analyzing the relevant legal scope of authority for the City to act in a particular area. Legal Counsel attorneys regularly assist in determining whether a proposed City action or policy complies with all applicable laws and advise on how to address a given problem while minimizing legal risk. Division attorneys also often represent the Law Department on interagency task forces considering policy initiatives and work closely with the Mayor's Office in analyzing federal, state and local legislation.
The Legal Counsel Division Chief oversees the work of the division, managing approximately 30 staff members, including attorneys and legal support professionals. In addition to overseeing the work of the division, the Chief also directly advises elected officials and City agencies on a variety of matters.

Applicants must be admitted to the New York State bar. They should have extensive legislative drafting experience, and strong legal analysis and writing skills. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a history of successful supervision and management of attorneys and legal support professionals. Finally, applicants should be committed to the Law Department values of Excellence, Dedication, Integrity, Justice, Teamwork, Professional Development, Respect, Supportive Work Environment, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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.