The New York City Law Department is accepting applications from applicants who graduated law school in December 2025 or will graduate in 2026 for entry level Assistant Corporation Counsel positions to start in the Fall of 2026. These attorneys will perform basic legal tasks appropriate to their level of education and experience and, until admitted to the Bar of the State of New York, in a manner consistent with the Appellate Division practice orders. Depending upon the division to which they are assigned, they will draft briefs, pleadings, and motions, perform legal research, take depositions, interview witnesses, draft contracts, draft legislation, and make court and administrative agency appearances. Applicants may be placed in any division of the Law Department based on needs of the Law Department. Applicants selected to be in the Tort or Family Court Divisions may be placed in offices located in any of the five New York City Boroughs.
The great majority of our entry level attorneys will be assigned to our Tort Division, which defends the City of New York in personal injury and property damage cases primarily in State Court. Tort has entry-level Assistant Corporation Counsel positions in the Pre-Trial Unit or SLED Unit of the division. Pre-Trial Unit: Pre-trial attorneys handle cases while they are in discovery. They appear regularly in court to attend discovery or other status conferences and argue motions. Attorneys take and defend depositions, request and exchange discovery, engage in settlement negotiations, and write and argue substantive and procedural motions. Once they are experienced pre-trial attorneys, they also may serve as a 1st or 2nd chair of a trial, in addition to their pre-trial case responsibilities. State Law Enforcement Defense (SLED) Unit: Attorneys assigned to the SLED Unit represent police officers in cases involving claims of misconduct. Similar to the Pre-Trial Unit, attorneys in SLED are assigned to handle pre-trial matters on a variety of different cases.
To apply, please upload your cover letter, resume, writing sample and a list of three references with contact information as one document under “resume.”
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL - 30112
Applicants must have graduated from an ABA approved law school in December 2025 or in 2026. Applicants must sit for the first available administration of the Uniform Bar Exam, New York Law Exam, and Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam following graduation or have passed these exams during law school.
As the majority of our entry level attorneys are placed in heavy litigating divisions, the Law Department seeks candidates who have experience in moot court, trial advocacy, debate, public speaking, or litigation/mediation clinics or internships. Candidates should be committed to public service, pursuing justice, and serving the common good. To best serve the City we represent, the Law Department seeks individuals from a variety of backgrounds who can bring different perspectives to contribute to the work of the office. The Law Department also seeks candidates who want to contribute to a work environment that values teamwork, inclusion, and respect.
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.
The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world.
City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more. Join us today at: http://www1.nyc.gov/jobs
The City of New York offers its employees:
• A chance to build the future of this city. New York City government is at the crossroads of where policy, great ideas, city services, and smart urban planning meet the lives and needs of every day New Yorkers.
• Competitive salary and benefits. Hiring packages include a competitive salary, health benefits, various pension plans, employee assistance programs, and individual retirement accounts.
• Diverse career opportunities. As the largest local government in the United States with more than 40 agencies, the City of New York offers a broad spectrum of opportunities — from education, housing development, and public health to sustainability, economic growth, technology, and emergency management.
• Career Satisfaction. As a City employee, you will have the chance to shape the future of New York City and improve the quality of life for your family, neighbors, and fellow New Yorkers.
• Equal Opportunity and Inclusion. The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discriminatory action against City employees and applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity alienage, citizenship status, gender, religion, creed and all other protected categories.
