General Litigation Division attorneys defend the City and its agencies in major cases challenging important City programs and policies, in areas such as constitutional rights, education, health care, public benefits, prison conditions, foster care, homelessness, day care, election law, and freedom of information law. This caseload offers Division lawyers unparalleled opportunities to develop and hone the full range of litigation skills while litigating vital, and often controversial, public policy issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers. Division attorneys practice in both federal and state courts, arguing motions, participating in court conferences, taking and defending depositions, and trying cases. Cases handled by Division attorneys not only affect determinations made in the City's everyday governance and the manner in which legal mandates are met, but also can determine whether key City initiatives survive legal challenge. Many of these cases present issues at the forefront of developing legal theory.