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

City of New York • New York, NY

8d • $87,737 - $188,235 • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel in its Tort Division. The Tort Division’s Early Intervention Unit (EIU) is seeking motivated and detail oriented attorneys to join its Insurance Takeover Group (ITO), Pleadings and Representation Group, and to serve as Settlement Negotiators. EIU attorneys serve a vital role in assessing the City’s eligibility for insurance coverage from City contractors and insurance carriers, reviewing requests for legal representation from City employees and City contractors in civil tort actions, and ensuring the timely preparation and filing of responsive pleadings on behalf of the City and its employees. These positions offer a unique opportunity to engage in critical early-stage legal analysis and representation decisions that directly impact the City’s litigation posture.

Insurance Takeover (ITO)
Attorneys in the ITO group review insurance coverage and defense or indemnification requests from contractors, negotiate defense assumptions with insurers, and advise agencies on the City’s defense obligations. Attorneys supervise and consult with outside counsel and other City agencies in connection with the City’s defense in insurance takeover cases and in connection with the prosecution of affirmative actions against recalcitrant carriers. The role includes drafting and filing responsive pleadings, conducting legal and factual research, developing early case strategies, and reviewing contracts and insurance policies. Attorneys also conduct training seminars for new attorneys and insurance group paralegals, participate in intra and inter agency colloquia on a variety of insurance-related issues as needed, and assist EIU Claims Specialists.

Pleadings and Representation Group (PRG)
Attorneys in PRG evaluate representation requests from City employees in civil tort actions, ensuring timely preparation and filing of responsive pleadings. The role involves assessing Requests for Legal Assistance, advising agencies on defense responsibilities, conducting legal research, and reviewing relevant case materials.

Settlement Negotiator
Attorneys serving as Negotiators analyze cases for potential settlement, interview involved employees, and work with the City's Comptroller’s Office to lead or participate in negotiations. The role includes preparing or reviewing settlement documents, maintaining accurate settlement data, appearing at conferences and mediations, and advising on case valuation and negotiation strategy.
To ensure a broad and comprehensive range of skills and expertise, attorneys within the EIU are cross trained to perform duties across all practice areas. All applicants will be considered for each role.

Requirements

• One year of civil litigation experience after graduating from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar.
• Strong civil litigation experience, including trial or settlement work.
• Ability to independently manage a high volume, deadline driven caseload with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent legal writing, interviewing, and analytical skills.
• Sound judgment in assessing complex and sensitive matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Review insurance coverage and defense or indemnification requests from contractors.
• Negotiate defense assumptions with insurers.
• Advise agencies on the City’s defense obligations.
• Supervise and consult with outside counsel and other City agencies in connection with the City’s defense in insurance takeover cases and in connection with the prosecution of affirmative actions against recalcitrant carriers.
• Draft and file responsive pleadings.
• Conduct legal and factual research.
• Develop early case strategies.
• Review contracts and insurance policies.
• Conduct training seminars for new attorneys and insurance group paralegals.
• Participate in intra and inter agency colloquia on a variety of insurance-related issues.
• Assist EIU Claims Specialists.
• Evaluate representation requests from City employees in civil tort actions.
• Ensure timely preparation and filing of responsive pleadings.
• Assess Requests for Legal Assistance.
• Advise agencies on defense responsibilities.
• Review relevant case materials.
• Analyze cases for potential settlement.
• Interview involved employees.
• Work with the City's Comptroller’s Office to lead or participate in negotiations.
• Prepare or review settlement documents.
• Maintain accurate settlement data.
• Appear at conferences and mediations.
• Advise on case valuation and negotiation strategy.
• Cross train to perform duties across all practice areas.

Benefits

• Flexible Remote Work: Allows limited, irregular work from home days.
• Citywide Pilot Program: Allows attorneys to work remotely on two set days per week, subject to Division approval and staffing needs. Participants must maintain a single designated remote work location, and in person obligations take precedence over scheduled remote days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED