SERVING THE CITY
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Law Department offers a unique opportunity for attorneys to obtain signi?cant experience on matters of public
importance early in their legal careers. Under practice orders authorized by State statute, law students and graduates
awaiting admission can argue motions, conduct depositions, appear at court conferences and conduct juvenile prosecution
trials. Experienced attorneys ?nd the Law Department to be a remarkable place to develop their careers because of its
diverse and complex practice.
Graduating Law Students
While the majority of the Law Department’s entry class has worked previously for the Law Department either as Summer Honors
interns or semester interns, a significant portion of the entry class is hired through the Fall on-campus interview process. Write-in
applications from third-year students are accepted throughout the school year.
The Law Department prefers candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to the public sector either through course work
or work experience. We look for both litigation and legal writing skills - as demonstrated by moot court, clinics, trial advocacy,
journals and work experience. While most entry-level attorneys are selected for our largest divisions, Tort and Family Court,
candidates may apply for, and be assigned to, any of the 17 divisions. Applicants should be familiar with the work of our
divisions and be able to express a preference for particular divisions.
Summer Honors Program
Approximately 50 students are selected for our paid nine-week Summer Honors Program, which we believe to be the only public
interest/public sector internship program that considers its interns for permanent employment based upon their performance
during the summer.
Depending upon the division they are assigned to, interns may draft briefs, take depositions, prepare motions, interview witnesses
and make court appearances. Weekly seminars provide interns the opportunity to hear from high-level City officials and prominent
members of the bench and bar. Participants in the Summer Honors Program also tour City facilities such as the police training
facility at Rodman’s Neck, the wastewater treatment plant in Red Hook and City Hall. This competitive program is an excellent way
to gain experience and prepare for employment at the Law Department. Free housing is provided to eligible out-of-town students.
Experienced Attorneys
The Law Department hires experienced attorneys for specific openings throughout the year. Applicants must be admitted to the
New York State Bar. Available positions are listed on our website at www.nyc.gov/law/careers.
Deferred Associates Program
The Law Department welcomes applications from deferred and furloughed law firm associates. Participants obtain practical
skills that will prepare them for their private law firm practice while receiving the same supervision, training, mentoring and work
assignments as our salaried attorneys. Positions are currently available for immediate placement or graduates seeking placement
12.
in the fall of 2012
Semester Externships and Post-Graduate Fellowships
The Law Department encourages applications from law students and recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in
unpaid externship and post-gradutate fellowship positions. Students must be able to devote between 12 and 15 hours per week
for an entire semester. Many students receive academic credit for their externships.
“The New York City Law Department has provided me with with early responsibility and
hands-on experience. Within two days, I was handling my own cases. Within two months,
I was appearing in Federal Court. And within two years, I conducted my first trial. I cannot
imagine any other job where I would have been able to accomplish so much so fast.”
Brian Francolla
Class of 2007, New York Law School
Special Federal Litigation Division