Assistant Corporation Counsel - Appeals

City of New York • New York City, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Law Department is seeking an Assistant Corporation Counsel in its Appeals Division. The Division litigates appeals arising from nearly all of the Law Department’s practice areas and prepares amicus briefs in matters affecting the City’s interests. Attorneys practice before federal and state appellate courts, briefing and arguing cases ranging from routine municipal matters to complex appeals involving cutting-edge legal issues and significant public-policy questions. The Division’s extensive docket provides attorneys with insight into City government and the opportunity to engage in appellate practice that shapes legal developments impacting the City.

Attorneys handle a substantial number of appeals each year, working independently and collaboratively with supervisors, trial attorneys, client agencies, and executive staff.

After orientation, attorneys may elect to participate in one of two remote-work programs: Flexible Remote Work, which allows limited, irregular work-from-home days, or the Citywide Pilot Program, which allows remote work on two set days per week subject to Division approval and staffing needs. Participants must maintain one designated remote work location, and in-person obligations take precedence. The pilot is being tested across City agencies and is not yet permanent.

The Law Department sets salaries based on post-law-school legal experience: $87,737–$122,300 for 0–5 years; $122,300–$137,188 for 5–10 years; $137,188–$159,521 for 10–15 years; $159,521–$180,791 for 15–20 years; and $180,791–$188,235 for 20 or more years. Candidates with highly specialized experience may qualify for salaries slightly above these ranges when expertise is required or the position is considered hard to fill.

Applicants must submit a single combined PDF containing a cover letter, resume, three professional references with contact information, and two to three writing samples, ideally advocacy pieces. The job posting also states that there is no need to upload anything separately under “resume.”

Requirements

• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the New York State Bar, or be in the process of admission.

Nice To Haves

• Commitment to public service.
• Exceptional ability to tackle challenging legal work.

Responsibilities

• Litigate appeals arising from nearly all of the Law Department’s practice areas.
• Prepare amicus briefs in matters affecting the City’s interests.
• Brief and argue cases before federal and state appellate courts.
• Handle a substantial number of appeals each year, working independently and collaboratively with supervisors, trial attorneys, client agencies, and executive staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree