Deputy Unit Chief, Special Litigation Unit, Tort Division

City of New York • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy 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 Deputy Unit Chief assists the Unit Chief in the oversight of the daily operations of the Unit. The Deputy is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures and the training, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs. The Deputy must also oversee and make appearances at in-person and virtual court appearances and conferences in all 5 boroughs, the SDNY, the EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary. The Deputy is also responsible for preparing and maintaining various calendars, reports, databases, lists, and other administrative duties. The Deputy must also develop and implement litigation strategies including, but not limited to, settlement, dispositive motions, insurance takeovers, and/or trial where appropriate and ensure that deadlines are met. The Deputy may also recommend and oversee the retention of expert witnesses and participate in the scheduling, conducting, and appearing at meetings with court staff, adversaries, City, state, and federal agencies, and other entities outside the Law Department such as the Comptroller’s Office. Deputy Unit Chiefs also learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology. 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.
• Solid knowledge of and experience in personal-injury case evaluation and valuation of injuries.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent judgment and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Unit Chief in the oversight of the daily operations of the Unit.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the training, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs.
• Oversees and makes appearances at in-person and virtual court appearances and conferences in all 5 boroughs, the SDNY, the EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary.
• Responsible for preparing and maintaining various calendars, reports, databases, lists, and other administrative duties.
• Develops and implements litigation strategies including, but not limited to, settlement, dispositive motions, insurance takeovers, and/or trial where appropriate and ensures that deadlines are met.
• Recommends and oversees the retention of expert witnesses.
• Participates in the scheduling, conducting, and appearing at meetings with court staff, adversaries, City, state, and federal agencies, and other entities outside the Law Department such as the Comptroller’s Office.
• Learns and utilizes electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree