The New York City Law Department continues to welcome applications from deferred law school graduates and furloughed law firm associates. Participation in our program will enable volunteers to obtain practical skills directly relevant to their private law firm careers, while also serving the public interest. Positions are currently available for 2009 law school graduates and furloughed law firm associates seeking an immediate placement, as well as 2010 graduates seeking placements for Fall 2010.

Participants in the program would receive the same supervision, training, mentoring and work assignments received by our paid, first-year Assistant Corporation Counsels. The Law Department regularly hires approximately 50 graduating law students each year and so has extensive experience in the supervision and training of new attorneys. The Law Department currently (Fall 2009) hosts 13 deferred associates.

Law graduates must agree to participate on a full-time basis for a minimum of 1 year. Placements are available in most of our 17 legal divisions. Most positions are available in litigating divisions where ample courtroom experience is assured. Most volunteer attorneys would be responsible for their own case load.

As the number of positions is limited, applicants to the Public Service Program will be screened. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial law school transcript, 2 writing samples, and a list of 3 professional references, by regular mail, e-mail or fax to:

Stuart D. Smith
Director of Legal Recruitment
New York City Law Department
100 Church Street
New York, NY 10007

Fax: 212-227-6177
E-mail: recruitment@law.nyc.gov