Assistant Corporation Counsel

Job Description

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel in its Legal Counsel Division. The Legal Counsel Division advises the Mayor, City Council, other elected officials, and City agencies on issues concerning virtually every area of municipal law. The Division provides legal advice and crafts the legislative changes necessary to shape and implement policy initiatives.

The Division is responsible for drafting State and local legislation proposed by the Mayor and City agencies and assisting in the drafting of administrative rules.

Attorneys in the Legal Counsel Division field questions from City Hall and City agencies on issues of overriding importance to the City as well as those regarding day-to-day administration. Responding to such questions frequently involves analyzing the relevant legal scope of authority for the City to act in a particular area. Legal Counsel attorneys also regularly assist in determining whether a proposed City action or policy complies with all applicable laws, advise how to address a given problem while minimizing legal risk, and support other divisions of the Law Department to provide legal analysis on litigation or other matters.

Additionally, division attorneys often represent the Law Department on interagency task forces considering policy initiatives and work closely with the Mayor's Office in analyzing federal, state, and local legislation.

This position provides attorneys with opportunities to develop their counseling skills. The role is particularly suited for attorneys seeking meaningful public service, particularly in advisement and legislation drafting.

The Law Department sets salaries for new attorneys based on their post law school legal experience, which typically aligns with their law school graduation year.

• For 0–5 years of legal experience: $87,737–$122,300
• For 5-10 years of legal experience: $,188
• For 10-15 years of legal experience: $137,188-$159,521
• For 15-20 years of legal experience: $159,521-$180,791
• For 20+ years of legal experience: $180,791-$188,235

Candidates with highly specialized experience may qualify for salaries slightly above these ranges when a role requires such expertise or the position is considered hard to fill.

• 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. This pilot is currently being tested across City agencies and is not yet permanent.

The Legal Counsel Division is dedicated to providing outstanding advice for the City. Accordingly, candidates must be graduates from an ABA accredited law school and be admitted, and in good standing, to the practice of law in New York State. The Division seeks exceptional candidates committed to public service and capable of tackling challenging legal work. Applicants must demonstrate strong legal analysis and writing skills.

Finally, applicants should be committed to the Law Department values of Excellence, Dedication, Integrity, Justice, Teamwork, Professional Development, Respect, Supportive Work Environment, and Diversity.

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As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.