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The Tort Division of the Law Department identifies, investigates, and resolves Tort Claims brought against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) with the goal of minimizing the cost of disposition.
The Tort division is currently building its capacity to dispose of claims and actions through a dedicated unit focused on the cost-effective resolution of appropriate matters. The successful candidate will be instrumental in launching this specialized unit, developing disposition strategies, interacting with opposing counsel, the courts, arbitrators, witnesses, and NYCHA principals. This position requires a strong commitment to teamwork as our attorneys and support professionals work together to develop cost-effective resolutions of each matter. Position also requires the ability to draft succinct case abstracts that summarize the facts, law and procedural posture that informs settlement valuation.
Agency Attorneys manage a caseload of tort claims and actions by independently developing defense strategies to inform the day-to-day direction of outside counsel and investigative firms. This specific role calls for a thoughtful mix of legal analysis supporting dispositive motion practice, and negotiated resolutions by engaging in timely settlement conferences, “blockbuster” court calendars, and mediations.
The ideal candidate will possess a working understanding of New York State tort and procedural law. Experience defending municipalities in personal injury actions and demonstrated acumen advising a landlord-client on the resolution of tort liability claims is a plus.
The work on these matters will include, but not be limited to the following:
1. Review and analyze claims, complaints, and reports from outside counsel, as well as all parties' discovery and medical records.
2. Review and analyze reports from investigators, NYCHA's field staff and various City agencies in order to gather all documents and identify all witnesses necessary to obtain a cost-effective resolution of each case.
3. Evaluate each case or claim to assess the best strategy to bring the matter to resolution, whether by motion, settlement, trial, or appeal.
4. Review pending matters to determine exposure.
5. When necessary, obtain appropriate settlement authority from supervisors and independently negotiate settlement of the claim.
6. Review and adjust vendor invoices from outside counsel and investigation firms for compliance with NYCHA retainer agreements.
Note: The selected candidate will be required to maintain confidentiality regarding all NYCHA proceedings.
Additional Information
1. Resume and cover letter must also include bar admission date(s) (month and year). Candidates must also provide two writing samples representing the candidate’s efforts, not those of a reviewer; three references, listing their professional association and the circumstances under which they became familiar with the candidate’s professional skills; a copy of law school transcript; current and/or minimum salary requirements.
2. NYCHA employees applying for promotional, title or level change opportunities must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if applicable).
3. NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.
Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the minimum qualification requirements before applying to this position.
1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
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.
