Assistant Corporation Counsel IV

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Assistant Corporation Counsel IV provides advanced legal representation and counsel within City government. Responsibilities include 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 complex legal issues.

Incumbents must be admitted to the New York State Bar and may perform a wide range of legal assignments and tasks.

The Assistant Corporation Counsel IV develops, presents, and argues legal issues in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative settings, often working closely with the Corporation Counsel, Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel, and/or Deputy Corporation Counsel to develop legal strategy. Incumbents prepare detailed and accurate legal memoranda with proper citations in support of departmental actions.

Work is performed independently to plan, organize, and conduct reviews and analyses of legal problems, cases, and legislative proposals. Incumbents also provide training and guidance to Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Munis, II, and III staff on a case-by-case or project basis. Work is reviewed for legal soundness, proper application of principles, and consistency with City policies and regulations.

Typical Work Activities

• Oversee litigation handled by Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Munis, II, and III in all trial courts and on appeals.

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

• Commence and defend matters on appeal in all Appellate Courts within New York State, including preparing briefs, legal memoranda, opening statements, summations, arguing motions, examining evidence and witnesses, consulting with parties, and developing strategy with senior legal staff.

• Commence and defend complex legal actions, coordinating strategy with the Corporation Counsel, Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel, and Deputy Corporation Counsel.

• Review contracts involving complex leases, purchases, and sales of real property.

• Advise officers and department heads on complex legal issues, including proposed changes in laws and regulations.

• Represent the City in city, county, state, and federal court proceedings, performing all necessary litigation actions, including discovery, settlements, appeals, and advising superiors.

• Prepare and present arguments at judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings, including grievance arbitration; preside over hearings and prepare findings, orders, or decisions.

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

• Prepare necessary legal documents to enforce laws, rules, and regulations; review claims and approve payments.

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

• Process court orders and present cases concerning such actions.

• Conduct legal research to respond to inquiries and prepare legal opinions.

• Participate in Law Department initiatives, such as template agreement development.

• Perform other legal duties as assigned by the Corporation Counsel, Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel, or Deputy Corporation Counsel.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

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

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

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

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

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

• Ability to extract information from reluctant witnesses.

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

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

• Ability to analyze legal issues and 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 public.

• Clear and concise communication skills, both oral and written.

• 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 seven (7) years of full-time experience practicing law after graduation from a recognized law school.

SALARY:

$ 128,000