Assistant Unit Chief, Special Litigation Unit, Tort Division

City of New York • New York, NY

2d • $122,300 - $188,235 • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Unit Chief in the Tort Division’s Special Litigation Unit. The Special Litigation Unit handles tort cases that present the most high-profile and highest-financial exposure to the City.
The Assistant Unit Chief is responsible for the training, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs. They oversee and appear at in-person meetings and virtual court appearances in all 5 boroughs, SDNY, EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary. They also draft papers, ensure timely compliance with deadlines and appearances, and prepare and maintain various calendars, reports, databases, and more. The Assistant Unit Chief regularly evaluates office processes and recommends and implements changes to promote efficiency, productivity, and quality. They also identify and retain expert witnesses, assist with recommendations for settlements, and communicate with senior court personnel, Comptroller’s representatives, City agencies, and other agencies. Assistant Unit Chiefs also learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology. The Assistant Unit Chief may handle a small caseload through all phases of litigation.
This position provides attorneys with opportunities to develop their supervisory and litigation skills. The role is particularly suited for attorneys seeking meaningful public service, particularly while supervising others in state and federal practice on high profile matters.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar, Southern District of New York, and Eastern District of New York.
• Substantial municipal-tort-related legal experience.
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational, managerial, and supervisory abilities.
• Strong legal analytical skills.
• Solid knowledge of municipal tort law, the CPLR, and evidentiary issues.
• Knowledge of and experience in personal-injury-case evaluation and valuation of injuries.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment.
• Ability to learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology.

Responsibilities

• Training, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs.
• Oversee and appear at in-person meetings and virtual court appearances in all 5 boroughs, SDNY, EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary.
• Draft papers, ensure timely compliance with deadlines and appearances, and prepare and maintain various calendars, reports, databases, and more.
• Regularly evaluate office processes and recommend and implement changes to promote efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Identify and retain expert witnesses.
• Assist with recommendations for settlements.
• Communicate with senior court personnel, Comptroller’s representatives, City agencies, and other agencies.
• Learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology.
• Handle a small caseload through all phases of litigation.

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. This pilot is currently being tested across City agencies and is not yet permanent.

What This Job Offers

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