Description:
The Bureau of Law & Adjustment (BLA) settles and adjusts claims filed against and on behalf of the City of New York. After a claim is filed, it is investigated. Based on the results of the investigation, the Comptroller's Office may extend an offer to settle the claim. If the claim cannot be settled, the claimant may choose to pursue the matter through the courts.Under the supervision of the Director of Litigation and reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Litigation, duties for the Senior Attorney, Litigation Unit position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Adhere to best practices to efficiently and effectively evaluate, negotiate, and settle pre-litigation claims and pending litigation on behalf of the City of New York and its agencies;
- Assess risk based on the facts presented and the relevant law;
- Evaluate, deliberate on, and respond to Law Department recommendations for settlement of cases within delegated authority using independent judgment and risk analysis;
- Prepare complex legal memoranda on pre-litigation claims and pending litigation to request settlement authority beyond delegated settlement authority;
- Participate in settlement negotiations both in and out of court in an informed and professional manner consistent with the highest standards of the Comptroller's Office;
- Appear in state or federal court as required;
- Reviewing internal evaluations of and delegating authority to junior attorneys;
- Supporting the Director and Deputy Director on data analytics and related endeavors;
- Supporting the Director and Deputy Director with respect to managing staff assignments and day-to-day operations of the Litigation Unit; and,
- Perform other related assignments as needed and directed.
Qualifications/Skills: Admission to the New York State Bar and four (4) or more years of progressively responsible experience performing highly complex and significant legal work subsequent to admission to any bar, including demonstrable supervisory experience over other attorneys/legal staff in an administrative, managerial and/or executive capacity. Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
Preferred Skills:
Extensive litigation experience, preferably defense work, in the areas of torts, personal injury, medical malpractice, labor and employment, and/or civil rights litigation - At least five (5) years of litigation experience handling all aspects of tort litigation, including but not limited to taking depositions, motion practice, oral arguments, preparing and conducting trials, engaging in settlement conferences and negotiations, or adjusting personal injury claims - At least eighteen (18) months of experience in the supervision of other attorneys/legal staff in an administrative, managerial and/or executive capacity - Strong negotiation skills - Experience making appearances in state and federal courts located in New York City - Clearly demonstrated management and supervisory experience, as well as mentoring skills - Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills - Demonstrated ability to interact professionally and effectively with all levels of management, government officials, attorneys, the Court, and the public - Demonstrated proficiency in drafting clear, concise, and accurate memoranda and, - Excellent interpersonal, time management, and organization skills (including Microsoft Office Suite proficiency).
