Assistant Division Chief and Counsel, Law Division

About the Office of the New York City Comptroller

The New York City Comptroller’s Office is dedicated to ensuring the city’s financial health, integrity, and operational effectiveness. Operating under an independently elected official, the office provides essential oversight to promote responsible budgeting, sound investments, fair operations, and accountability, aiming to foster a prosperous and equitable city environment for all residents.

Scope of the Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA)

Authorized by the NYC Charter, the Comptroller's Bureau of Law and Adjustment manages the negotiation and approval of monetary settlements for claims and lawsuits involving the city. BLA handles investigative and pre-litigation settlements to protect the city's fiscal interests, ensuring fairness, adherence to laws, and efficient resolution. The Bureau also evaluates and authorizes settlements for litigated cases, monitors contract disputes, and coordinates with the NYC Law Department and other agencies to address fiscal and public safety concerns.

Law Claims Division Responsibilities

This division investigates and resolves various claims such as breach of contract, affirmative claims, refund requests, salary disputes, special education claims, and illegal but equitable claims. Claims processed under alternative dispute resolution per the Procurement Policy Board (PPB) rules and contracts are also included. The Division collaborates closely with the Law Department and multiple agencies on different matters.

Key Duties of the Assistant Division Chief and Senior Counsel

• Provide expert legal advice on complex issues including contract law, special education, litigation, labor and employment law.
• Investigate, assess, and negotiate challenging pre-litigation claims, including those with significant financial or policy implications.
• Oversee evaluation and negotiation of settlements for lawsuits, including class actions and issues related to labor, employment, and special education.
• Represent the Comptroller’s Office in settlement conferences across federal and state courts as needed.
• Draft detailed memoranda recommending settlements beyond delegated authority.
• Lead supervision of division staff, allocate tasks, review and approve settlement recommendations, provide guidance to ensure timely claims resolution, and conduct employee evaluations.
• Support the Division Chief in managing workflow to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with laws and procedures.
• Develop and implement improved procedures for claims resolution.
• Serve as liaison with other bureaus, elected officials, agency personnel, attorneys, and the public.
• Perform additional related assignments and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• At least four years of recent, relevant, full-time legal experience after bar admission.
• A minimum of eighteen months experience supervising attorneys in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity, or handling highly complex legal work.
• Continued membership in good standing with the New York State Bar throughout employment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proven experience supervising legal teams, including attorneys, claim examiners, investigators, or paralegals, in leadership roles or handling complex legal matters.
• Extensive knowledge of City Contracts and PPB rules.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent organization, writing, and communication abilities, capable of multitasking and prioritizing with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities.
• Superior interpersonal skills, enabling productive interactions at all management levels.

Additional Information

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Successful candidates may qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance. Candidates are encouraged to learn more about these benefits.

Residency Requirement: Residency in New York City is not mandatory for eligibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of New York is committed to fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free workplace and values diversity across all protected statuses and characteristics.