Assistant Corporation Counsel I - MUNI Attorney

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Assistant Corporation Counsel I provides general legal representation and counsel within City government. This includes trying cases, drafting and analyzing legal opinions and briefs, preparing legal memoranda, and conferring with departmental personnel or parties to legal actions to try, mediate, negotiate, or settle legal issues.

Incumbents must be admitted to the New York State Bar and may perform a wide range of legal assignments and tasks. They develop, present, and argue legal issues in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative settings, preparing persuasive arguments and supporting memoranda.

Incumbents also plan, organize, and conduct reviews and analyses of day-to-day legal problems, cases, and legislative proposals. They provide guidance, training, and assistance to Assistant Corporation Counsel IIs and Assistant Corporation Counsel/Munis on assigned projects. Work is expected to be accurate in legal citations and the technical treatment of facts and precedents.

Work is performed in a confidential relationship with the Corporation Counsel, Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel, and Deputy Corporation Counsel, receiving general supervision from these officials.

Typical Work Activities

• Oversee routine litigation handled by Assistant Corporation Counsel IIs and Assistant Corporation Counsel/Munis in lower courts and on appeals.

• Provide training and assistance to subordinate attorneys on assigned cases or projects.

• Commence and defend litigation on behalf of the City, its officers, employees, departments, and agencies, including:

  • Preparing opening statements, summations, and motions.

  • Examining witnesses and evidence, conducting discovery, and preparing legal briefs and memoranda.

  • Negotiating settlements and preparing appeals.

  • Advising superiors on legal strategies and outcomes.

• Prepare and present arguments in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings, including grievance arbitration, employee disciplinary hearings, compliance matters, and defense of claims against the City.

• Negotiate and draft contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments with outside parties.

• Prepare necessary legal documents to enforce laws, rules, and regulations, and review claims for approval of payments.

• Interpret and provide verbal and written legal opinions on relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

• Process court orders and present cases at related proceedings.

• Evaluate and negotiate settlement amounts with involved parties.

• Provide legal counsel and written opinions to City department heads and officers.

• Conduct legal research on statutes, case law, opinions, and other sources to respond to legal inquiries from City personnel.

• Regularly consult with departmental personnel regarding legal matters.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

• Good knowledge of municipal law in the State of New York.

• Good knowledge of civil and criminal law, administrative law, legal procedures, regulations, terminology, and forms.

• Skilled in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research, and analyzing legal problems.

• Knowledge of public records disclosure, grievance arbitration, impasse procedures, and employee discipline and discharge.

• Working knowledge of trial techniques, investigative methods, and interviewing techniques.

• Ability to extract information from reluctant witnesses.

• Ability to interpret City laws, rules, and regulations.

• Ability to organize large volumes of factual and legal data into clear, logical sequences.

• Strong analytical skills to identify significant cases, opinions, and facts.

• Ability to persuade others orally and in writing regarding the legality of actions or viewpoints.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with attorneys, City employees, and the general public.

• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a recognized law school.

2. License to practice law as an Attorney and Counselor in the courts of the State of New York.

3. At least five (5) years of full-time experience practicing law after graduation from a recognized law school.

SALARY:

$ 83,381