Assistant Corporation Counsel, Tort Division - Early Intervention Unit (EIU)

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The New York City Law Department’s Tort Division is hiring Assistant Corporation Counsel attorneys for its Early Intervention Unit (EIU). Attorneys may work in the Insurance Takeover Group (ITO), Pleadings and Representation Group (PRG), or as Settlement Negotiators. All applicants will be considered for each role, and EIU attorneys are cross-trained to perform duties across all practice areas. ITO attorneys review insurance coverage and requests for defense or indemnification from contractors, negotiate defense assumptions with insurers, and advise agencies on the City’s defense obligations. They supervise and consult with outside counsel and City agencies on insurance-takeover cases and affirmative actions against carriers. Work also includes drafting and filing responsive pleadings, legal and factual research, early case-strategy development, contract and insurance-policy review, training, participation in insurance-related colloquia, and assistance to EIU Claims Specialists. PRG attorneys evaluate City employees’ requests for legal representation in civil tort actions and ensure responsive pleadings are prepared and filed on time. They assess requests for legal assistance, advise agencies on defense responsibilities, conduct legal research, and review relevant case materials. Settlement Negotiators analyze cases for settlement potential, interview involved employees, and work with the City Comptroller’s Office to lead or participate in negotiations. They prepare or review settlement documents, maintain settlement data, appear at conferences and mediations, and advise on case valuation and negotiation strategy. Following 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.

Requirements

At least one year of civil litigation experience after graduating from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admission to and good standing with the New York State Bar.
Strong civil litigation experience, including trial or settlement work, is ideal.
Ability to independently manage a high-volume, deadline-driven caseload accurately and with attention to detail.
Excellent legal writing, interviewing, and analytical skills.
Sound judgment in assessing complex and sensitive matters.
Strong interpersonal and communication abilities for frequent interaction with City employees, agency representatives, opposing counsel, and Law Department colleagues.

Responsibilities

Review insurance coverage and contractor requests for defense or indemnification.
Negotiate defense assumptions with insurers and advise agencies on the City’s defense obligations.
Supervise and consult with outside counsel and City agencies in insurance-takeover cases and affirmative actions against recalcitrant carriers.
Draft and file responsive pleadings.
Conduct legal and factual research, develop early case strategies, and review contracts and insurance policies.
Conduct training seminars for new attorneys and insurance group paralegals, participate in insurance-related colloquia as needed, and assist EIU Claims Specialists.
Evaluate City employees’ requests for legal representation in civil tort actions and ensure timely preparation and filing of responsive pleadings.
Assess requests for legal assistance, advise agencies on defense responsibilities, conduct legal research, and review relevant case materials.
Analyze cases for settlement potential, interview involved employees, and lead or participate in negotiations with the City Comptroller’s Office.
Prepare or review settlement documents, maintain accurate settlement data, appear at conferences and mediations, and advise on case valuation and negotiation strategy.
Cross-train to perform duties across all EIU practice areas.