Faced with a chronic shortage of staff in the city’s legal workforce, Mayor Eric Adams launched an innovative program that enables junior attorneys from law firms to complete one-year appointments in the legal departments of city agencies. Under the fellowship, lawyers will continue to be employed and paid by their firms, but serve New Yorkers as full-time city employees “on the time of law firms,” Meyer said.
“Here in the city, we’re not just talking about problems, but solving them,” Adams said. ,Legal Fellows Program will strengthen partnerships between the private and public sectors; lay the groundwork for life-long civic support and engagement; And help bring the talents of these dedicated attorneys to work by solving some of the biggest challenges facing New Yorkers.”
He addressed the major challenges his administration has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox, and the recent influx of asylum seekers sent into the city from Texas and Florida.
“I would really like to applaud the Corporation’s counsel, and our entire legal team, for how they have lit the midnight oil for coming up with these real answers in real time, in our morning briefings, to be prepared in the courts. On how to protect the city’s citizens, Adams said, comparing the work experience gained by peers to serving in the Peace Corps. Initially come to government to provide public service in public sector environment, it can only help to develop their full personality as lawyers. It’s a win-win. We are excited about it.”
The new initiative was developed by City Hall’s chief attorney, Brendan McGuire.
“The city has never needed lawyers as much as it is today. There are currently hundreds of attorney positions vacant, and city attorneys within the Law Department and its agencies do incredible work every day, even if they are shorthanded,” McGuire said. “The City aims to deepen its relationships with lawyers in private practice who are looking for purpose-driven work and to develop the next generation of lawyer leaders committed to serving the City. We want to make these lawyers that challenging and rewarding. We are excited to add to the work we are doing for New Yorkers and, more broadly, to expand the partnership between this administration and the private bar.”
Among the firms planning to participate in the Legal Fellows Program are Paul Weiss; Kirkland & Ellis LLP; O’Melvaney; ropes and gray; Shearman & Sterling; Simpson Thatcher; Wilkie Farr and Gallagher; and King and Spalding.
During the ’90s, King and Spalding partner Randy Masto served as chief of staff in the Giuliani administration and deputy mayor for operations.
“I used to have an office right down the hall. I know the value of public service, but I also know that the private sector has an obligation to give back to us,” Mastro said. “We appreciate the challenges on crime, on gun violence, on homelessness, on seeking asylum, on issues related to the environment and civil rights, on getting the city back from COVID and getting people back into office. To be a part of this brings back so many memories of public service and how we will be able to share it with some of our young lawyers.”
