Chief of Law Division / Executive Agency Counsel

The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city.

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.

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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.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Settlements & Adjudications, with wide latitude for the exercise of legal knowledge, judgment, and experience, the responsibilities of the Chief of the Law Division include :

• Serves as the head of the division and manages its functions to ensure compliance with procedures, statutes, and laws;
• Supervises the work of agency attorneys, claim examiners, and support staff;
• Participates in the management of the Comptroller's Office's function in the City’s contract dispute resolution process;
• Advises and recommends on questions of law, fact and policy relative to non-tort claims;
• Evaluates, negotiates, and approves / denies settlements of the most significant and complex cases involving the City of New York;
• Performs related assignments and special projects as required.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS REQUIREMENTS : Admission to the New York State Bar and four (4) or more years of progressively responsible relevant legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen (18) months of which must be in the supervision of other attorneys, investigators, or paralegal teams in an administrative, litigation management, or other 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.

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

• Familiarity with City Contracts and the PPB Rules
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Exceptional organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability managing and inspiring a diverse group of professionals and support staff
• Understanding the Comptroller’s Office’s role in the settlement of claims and lawsuits
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of applications.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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 https : / / studentaid.gov / pslf / .

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

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.

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