New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds Radix Appoints Toshia McKnight as Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for Criminal Justice

September 19, 2023

New Member of Executive Team Brings Decades of Legal Experience to Law Department

Will Oversee the Law Department’s Family Court Division, One of the Office’s Largest Divisions, and Serve as Liaison to Public Law Enforcement Agencies

Toshia McKnight

New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix today announced the appointment of Toshia McKnight to the position of Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for Criminal Justice. Toshia brings decades of legal experience to City government, most recently serving as Special Counsel to the Commissioner at the New York City Department of Social Services. As Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for Criminal Justice, Toshia will oversee the Law Department's Family Court Division which prosecutes juvenile delinquency cases and handles interstate child support matters in Family Court across the five boroughs. As the Law Department's chief liaison to the various public law enforcement agencies, including the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice and District Attorneys, Toshia will ensure the interactions with these agencies are coordinated to advance the interests of the City. The position of Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for Criminal Justice was previously held by Justice Ruth Shillingford who was appointed by Governor Hochul to the New York State Court of Claims.

“Toshia is a dedicated public servant who shares our office’s commitment to excellence, justice, and protecting the interests of the City and its residents,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix. “Her extensive and diverse legal expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Law Department, and I am proud to have her join our executive team.”

“I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the Law Department,” said Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for Criminal Justice, Toshia McKnight. “I would like to thank Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix for affording me this great opportunity to serve the people of New York City. Furthermore, I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead and work alongside the remarkable team of attorneys and support professionals within the Family Court Division.”

About Toshia McKnight

Prior to joining the New York City Law Department, Toshia served as the Special Counsel to the Commissioner at the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS). Before joining DSS, Toshia spent fifteen years in the New York State Unified Court System, including service as a Principal Law Clerk in the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department, Principal Law Clerk in the New York State Supreme Court, and a Court Attorney Referee in the New York City Family Court. Toshia’s legal career also includes employment at the Civilian Complaint Review Board, Administration for Children’s Services and 32 BJ Legal Services Fund. Toshia is a graduate of CUNY Law School and Cheyney University.