Assistant Unit Chief, Special Litigation Unit, Tort Division

City of New York • New York City, NY

1d • 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.
• Overseeing and appearing at in-person meetings and virtual court appearances in all 5 boroughs, SDNY, EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary.
• Drafting papers, ensuring timely compliance with deadlines and appearances.
• Preparing and maintaining various calendars, reports, databases, and more.
• Evaluating office processes and recommending and implementing changes to promote efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Identifying and retaining expert witnesses.
• Assisting with recommendations for settlements.
• Communicating with senior court personnel, Comptroller’s representatives, City agencies, and other agencies.
• Learning and utilizing electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology.
• Handling 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.

What This Job Offers

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