Job Title: Litigation Contract Attorney – Police Action Defense
Location: Manhattan, New York City
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in office / 2 days remote after initial training period)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Compensation:
<1 year post-bar: $40/hour
1–3 years post-bar: $52/hour
3–7 years post-bar: $56/hour
7+ years post-bar: $58/hour
About the Role:
Our client, a prestigious New York City government agency, is seeking Litigation Contract Attorneys to support its specialized unit focused on defense of police action litigation. This is a dynamic opportunity to join a high-impact legal team handling civil rights and law enforcement-related cases, including matters involving excessive use of force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, unlawful imprisonment, and other claims brought under New York State law.
We are actively recruiting for both state and federal-level positions. Candidates applying for federal court matters must be admitted to practice in federal court in New York.
Key Responsibilities:
Police Action Litigation: Represent the City in police-related civil litigation, including defending against claims of excessive force, unlawful search and seizure, wrongful arrest, and other constitutional violations.
Court Appearances: Handle depositions, court conferences, motion practice, and settlement negotiations.
Document Review & Discovery: Conduct legal research, manage discovery, review and redact sensitive police records, and assess privilege issues.
Case Management: Draft pleadings, motions, and legal memoranda; manage cases from inception through resolution or trial.
Collaboration: Work closely with supervising attorneys, paralegals, and city agency representatives to build thorough and effective defense strategies.
Qualifications:
J.D. from an accredited law school and active New York State Bar membership (required)
Admitted in Federal Court in New York (required for federal-level assignments)
Minimum of 2+ years of litigation experience, preferably in civil rights, torts, or government defense work
Familiarity with police procedures, documentation, and qualified immunity defenses is a strong plus
Excellent legal writing, research, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage a fast-paced caseload with professionalism and discretion
Benefits:
Hybrid Schedule: Enjoy flexibility with a balanced in-office/remote schedule after initial adjustment period
Professional Development: Work with seasoned litigators on high-profile, high-impact cases
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.