MESSAGE FROM
THE MAYOR
INTRODUCTION FROM
THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
As the more than eight million New Yorkers can
attest, our City’s private economy and public
spaces combine to present a unique set of
challenges to our citizens, businesspeople, and
lawmakers. The New York City Law Department
has been meeting these challenges by capably
representing and advising our City on a wide
variety of legal matters for more than 160 years.
Michael R. Bloomberg
Especially during these dif?cult economic times,
the Law Department’s performance on issues
ranging from municipal contracts and community
service to billboard regulations and bicycle safety
has helped make our City an even better place
to live, work, and visit. A steadfast example of our City’s enduring work ethic, the Law
Department continues to answer the call to provide high-quality legal representation to the
greatest city in the world.
The 2009 Annual Report re?ects the Law Department’s accomplishments over the past
year – and demonstrates why it continues to earn the respect of New Yorkers seeking
good sense and judicious problem-solving from our lawmakers and the counselors who
advise them. On behalf of the City of New York, I commend Corporation Counsel Michael
A. Cardozo and the Law Department’s attorneys, administrators, operations staff, and
Information Technology Division for a job well-done. All the best for continued success.
Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor
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I am pleased to present the New York City Law
Department’s 2009 Annual Report. Our of?ce serves
as the City’s legal counsel, and coordinates with
every City agency on projects and cases spanning
virtually all aspects of the law. We are committed
to providing the City and its of?cials with the highest
caliber legal advice and representation.
This report provides an overview of the Law
Department’s major cases and achievements over
the course of the past year. These accomplishments
include continued efforts to stimulate the City’s
economy through new development projects;
protect the public ?sc by pursuing tax dollars owed
to the City; battle the in?ux of illegal guns and cigarettes; safeguard the City’s technology and
trademark rights; and put into place new laws to make the City cleaner, safer and greener.
Michael A. Cardozo
The report’s aim is to capture the full range of the Department’s responsibilities and the City’s
legal issues. I am very proud of our accomplishments, and am honored to work with such a
dedicated and talented team.
Michael A. Cardozo
Corporation Counsel
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