2023 Entry-Level Attorney

Full-time

No

Division : Labor And Employment Law
The Labor And Employment Law Division represents the City in litigation arising out of the City's role as the employer of more than a quarter-million workers. In representing the City in State and federal courts and before administrative agencies, the Division's attorneys encounter a wide range of employment issues in both individual and class actions.
The issues litigated by the Division's attorneys include claims concerning the First Amendment free speech rights of municipal employees; claims of discrimination and retaliation under Title VII, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the State and City Human Rights Laws; allegations of violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act; claims under the Equal Pay Act; and claims brought by both individual City employees and unions based on collective bargaining agreements and the Civil Service Law.
What New Attorneys Do
New attorneys joining the Labor And Employment Law Division after graduation are assigned their own caseload consisting of challenges to City administrative agency determinations, known as Article 78 proceedings, as well State court actions. Typically, Article 78 proceedings are made in response to a challenge by a City employee to an administrative decision made by a City agency, including the imposition of disciplinary charges, termination of employment or a transfer or reassignment within the agency. Litigating Article 78 proceedings provides new attorneys the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the Law Department’s client agencies and with New York State Court practice. New attorneys are also assigned State court actions, typically brought under the State and City Human Rights Laws alleging discrimination and/or retaliation. New attorneys work closely with supervisors on developing case strategy, but are ultimately responsible for handling their own cases on a day-to-day basis. In addition, new attorneys can expect to work with a senior attorney in the Division on cases brought in federal court in order gain exposure to federal court practice and applicable case law in advance of their admission to the Eastern and Southern Districts.




What We Look For
The Law Department looks for candidates who are 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. Finally, as many of our entry-level attorneys work in litigating divisions, the Law Department seeks candidates who have experience in moot court, trial advocacy, debate, public speaking, or litigation/mediation clinics or internships.

Legal