Assistant Unit Chief, Special Litigation Unit, Tort Division

The New York City Law Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Unit Chief in the Tort Division’s Special Litigation Unit. The Special Litigation Unit handles tort cases that present the most high-profile and highest-financial exposure to the City.
The Assistant Unit Chief is responsible for the training, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys, support staff, interns, and programs. They oversee and appear at in-person meetings and virtual court appearances in all 5 boroughs, SDNY, EDNY, and courts outside the City of New York, as necessary. They also draft papers, ensure timely compliance with deadlines and appearances, and prepare and maintain various calendars, reports, databases, and more. The Assistant Unit Chief regularly evaluates office processes and recommends and implements changes to promote efficiency, productivity, and quality. They also identify and retain expert witnesses, assist with recommendations for settlements, and communicate with senior court personnel, Comptroller’s representatives, City agencies, and other agencies. Assistant Unit Chiefs also learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology. The Assistant Unit Chief may handle a small caseload through all phases of litigation.
This position provides attorneys with opportunities to develop their supervisory and litigation skills. The role is particularly suited for attorneys seeking meaningful public service, particularly while supervising others in state and federal practice on high profile matters.
Salary Information
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: $122,300-137,188
- 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.
Work From Home Options
Following orientation, attorneys may elect to participate in one of two remote work programs:
1. Flexible Remote Work: Allows limited, irregular work from home days.
2. 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.
To apply, click the Apply Now button.
- Upload your cover letter and resume together as one document under "cover letter."
- Upload your writing sample and a list of three professional references (with contact information) together as one document under "resume."
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The Tort Division is dedicated to providing outstanding legal advocacy. Accordingly, candidates must have a J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and be admitted and in good standing with the New York State Bar, Southern District of New York, and Eastern District of New York. Applicants should have substantial municipal-tort-related legal experience, demonstrated exceptional organizational, managerial, and supervisory abilities, strong legal analytical skills, solid knowledge of municipal tort law, the CPLR, and evidentiary issues, knowledge of and experience in personal-injury-case evaluation and valuation of injuries, strong negotiation skills, and excellent interpersonal skills and judgment. Assistant Unit Chiefs also learn and utilize electronic calendaring, management programs, and all pertinent Law Department tools and technology.

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.