Appeals

The Appeals Division handles appeals originating from nearly all of the Law Department’s litigating divisions and prepares amicus briefs in cases implicating the City’s interests. Our attorneys appear before federal and state appellate courts and are responsible for briefing and arguing appeals in an array of cases, from routine litigation arising out of the governance of a municipality with more than eight million residents to complex appeals involving cutting-edge legal questions and critical public policy issues. The breadth and depth of our docket affords our attorneys a unique perspective on how the City works and an opportunity to engage in top-notch appellate practice and contribute to legal developments impacting the City, while learning about City government and new areas of the law.

What Experienced Attorneys Do

Attorneys in the Appeals Division brief and argue a significant number of appeals in federal and state appellate courts every year. Our attorneys are subject-matter generalists, and handle appeals in all manner of subject areas, from administrative law, to commercial law, to constitutional law, to employment law, to family law, to personal injury law—the list goes on and on. Working independently and collaboratively with supervisors, trial attorneys, client agencies, and other stakeholders, attorneys are responsible for charting an overarching appellate strategy, researching and drafting briefs, and appearing for oral argument.

What New Attorneys Do

New attorneys in the Appeals Division generally begin with a handful of appeals in our more common areas of litigation. From there, an attorney’s docket is tailored to their ability. There are no rigid rules about what kind of cases can be assigned to attorneys based on their years of experience. If you are ready for more complex and challenging appeals, we want you to be handling those appeals.

What Summer Interns Do

Summer interns in the Appeals Division take the lead in researching and drafting one to two appellate briefs under the supervision of an experienced attorney. Interns may also contribute to more complex and challenging appeals by working on discrete research and drafting projects. Depending on court calendars, interns are often able to observe oral arguments before the Second Circuit or the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court.

Read the Law Department's Annual Reports for More Information about the Appeals Division