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

City of New York•New York, NY

7d•$87,737 - $188,235•Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Law Department is seeking attorneys for its Tort Division’s Early Intervention Unit (EIU), including its Insurance Takeover Group (ITO), Pleadings and Representation Group (PRG), and Settlement Negotiator roles. EIU attorneys perform early-stage legal analysis and make representation and insurance coverage decisions that affect the City’s litigation posture. Attorneys are cross-trained across all EIU practice areas, and applicants will be considered for each role. In the Insurance Takeover Group, attorneys review insurance coverage and defense or indemnification requests from contractors, negotiate defense assumptions with insurers, and advise City agencies on defense obligations. They supervise and consult with outside counsel and agencies on insurance takeover cases and affirmative actions against recalcitrant carriers. They also draft and file responsive pleadings, research legal and factual issues, develop early case strategies, review contracts and insurance policies, conduct training seminars, participate in insurance-related agency colloquia, and assist EIU Claims Specialists. In the Pleadings and Representation Group, attorneys evaluate City employees’ requests for legal representation in civil tort actions, help ensure responsive pleadings are prepared and filed on time, assess Requests for Legal Assistance, advise agencies on defense responsibilities, conduct legal research, and review 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 choose between limited, irregular work-from-home days or a Citywide Pilot Program allowing remote work on two set days per week, subject to Division approval and staffing needs. Participants in the pilot 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 identified as 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.

Nice To Haves

Strong civil litigation experience, including trial or settlement work.

Responsibilities

Review insurance coverage and contractors’ requests for defense or indemnification.
Negotiate defense assumptions with insurers and advise City agencies on 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 and participate in insurance-related intra- and interagency colloquia.
Assist EIU Claims Specialists.
Evaluate City employees’ requests for legal representation in civil tort actions and help 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 and interview involved employees.
Work with the City Comptroller’s Office to lead or participate in settlement negotiations.
Prepare or review settlement documents and maintain accurate settlement data.
Appear at conferences and mediations and advise on case valuation and negotiation strategy.
Perform duties across EIU practice areas as part of cross-training.