The Department of Law is established under Article VI of the City Charter, and is headed by the City’s Corporation Counsel. The Corporation Counsel is appointed by the City Manager to act as the legal advisor of the City Council, of the City Manager and of the several officers, departments, bureaus, and boards of the City. The Corporation Counsel shall appear for and protect the rights and interests of the City in all actions, suits and proceedings brought by or against it or by or against any City officer, department, bureau, or board. The Corporation Counsel shall be an attorney admitted to practice in the courts of the State of New York for at least ten years prior to appointment. The Department of Law is supported by two Assistant Corporation Counsels, and outside counsels.
The current Corporation Counsel is Michelle Kelson. Jeremy Kaufman and Tallie Carter serve as Assistant Corporation Counsels.