NYC Law Department, Labor and Employment Law Field Clinic

Catalog description

In this field clinic, students will work in the Labor and Employment Law Division of the New York City Law Department (also known as the Office of the Corporation Counsel). The Law Department serves as attorney and counsel for the City of New York and City agencies in all legal matters. The Labor and Employment Law Division handles a wide variety of matters, including claims of First Amendment retaliation and other forms of retaliation; claims of gender, race, age, and disability discrimination; violations of the Equal Pay Act; violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act; claims arising under the Civil Service Law, collective bargaining agreements issues; and challenges to City agency actions under Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules. Attorneys within the division litigate cases brought against every City agency, as well as lawsuits brought against high ranking City officials. Attorneys practice in federal and state courts, appear before the New York State Division of Human Rights and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and participate in proceedings at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. Consequently, attorneys within the division apply and hone every type of litigation skill, including legal research and writing, conducting discovery, arguing motions, negotiating settlements, and trying cases. Students will spend 12 - 15 hours a week in the Labor and Employment Law Division at the Law Department, located at 100 Church Street in lower Manhattan.