New York City Law Department

Every day the New York City Law Department's approximately 850 lawyers and 750 support professionals work collaboratively to pursue justice while providing the City with the highest quality legal representation. The Law Department represents the City, the Mayor, other elected officials, and the City's many agencies in all affirmative and defensive civil litigation, as well as juvenile delinquency proceedings brought in Family Court and Administrative Code enforcement proceedings brought in Criminal Court. Law Department attorneys draft and review local and State legislation, real estate leases, procurement contracts, and financial instruments for the sale of municipal bonds. The Law Department also provides legal counsel to City officials on a wide range of issues such as immigration, education, and environmental policy. There is rarely a major City initiative that is not molded by the Law Department's staff. The Law Department is led by the Corporation Counsel who is nominated by the Mayor and subject to confirmation by the City Council. The office values a supportive work environment where dedicated public servants help each other develop the necessary skills to tackle complex legal issues. The office firmly believes that the diversity of its employees is its greatest strength. Many employees spend their career at the Law Department because they value the respect that their coworkers have for one another and the high standard of integrity and professionalism that their colleagues exercise. The Law Department is comprised of 17 legal divisions and 3 support divisions. It is staffed with 690 lawyers and 850 support professionals in 10 offices located in all five boroughs, as well as in Kingston, N.Y. The Law Department is led by the Corporation Counsel who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Mayor. We invite you to learn more about the Law Department by exploring nyc.gov/law.