Litigation Attorney

Led by an independently elected citywide official, the comptroller’s office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long-term challenges we face together.

Authorized by the New York City Charter, the Comptroller, through the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), negotiates and approves all monetary settlement of claims and lawsuits involving the City of New York.

BLA investigates and, when in the best interest of the city, settles pre-litigation claims for and against the City of New York.

In resolving claims before litigation is commenced, BLA protects the fiscal interest of the City while ensuring that pre-litigation claims are resolved in a fair and just manner, and in accordance with applicable laws.

BLA furthers this goal in its review, evaluation, and authorization of requests to settle litigated cases involving the City and through diligent administration of disputes arising out of City contracts.

BLA manages City risk by holding agencies accountable, rooting out fraud, and identifying trends, as well as, coordinating with the Law Department and other City agencies on issues that impact the public fiscal and public safety.

Under the New York City Charter, the Comptroller has the power to settle or adjust all claims in favor of or against the City of New York. The Comptroller exercises this power through the Bureau of Law & Adjustment (BLA).

Based on the BLA's review and investigation of any claim, the City of New York may extend an offer to settle the claim. If the claim cannot be settled pre-litigation, the claimant may choose to pursue the matter through the courts.

The New York City Law Department handles matters pursued through the courts, but Comptroller approval (through BLA) is required prior to settling any case in litigation.

Reporting directly to a Senior Attorney and indirectly to the Deputy Director, duties for the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Using independent judgment and applying appropriate standards of law to:

- Evaluate, negotiate, and resolve personal injury, civil rights/police, labor and employment, and other tort claims against the City of New York and its agencies prior to commencement of litigation;

- Approve, deny, or otherwise appropriately act on Law Department requests for settlement authority;

- Prepare memoranda on pre-litigation claims and pending litigation handled by the Law Department or outside counsel to independently evaluate liability, risk, and damages in order to request settlement authority approval beyond individually delegated authority;

- Participate in settlement negotiations in state and federal courts, alternative dispute resolution forums, at the Law Department in out-of-court discussions, and in direct communication with counsel;

- Attend 50-h hearings on high-profile and media-sensitive matters as necessary;

- Assist Senior Attorneys and Directors on intergovernmental risk management initiatives involving highly confidential and/or media-sensitive matters;

- Perform other related assignments and special projects as may be required.

- At least 18 months of progressively responsible, complex, and significant experience that includes handling all aspects of tort litigation, including but not limited to taking depositions, motion practice, oral arguments, preparing and conducting trials, engaging in settlement negotiations and conferences, and/or adjusting personal injury claims;

- Strong negotiation and mediation skills;

- Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills;

- Excellent interpersonal and organization skills (including Microsoft Office Suite proficiency).

New York City Residency is not required for this position