Mathew Mazer, a 3L, shares insights from his summer internship at the NYC Law Department's Tort Division. From pre-trial litigation to leading depositions, he gained invaluable experience. Excited to return post-graduation, Mathew looks forward to his job's responsibilities and exploring new travel adventures with his wife.
Last summer I worked for the NYC Law Department in their Tort Division in the Bronx. The division focuses mainly on pre-trial litigation, so I worked with attorneys on drafting and submitting motions, conducting depositions, and going to court for compliance and settlement conferences. The Law Department also had programs throughout the summer like panels discussing current New York City initiatives, tours of the city, a mentorship program, and a trial preparation program like Seton Hall Law’s Persuasion and Advocacy class.
I found out about the NYC Law Department during Spring 1L at the NYU Virtual Public Interest Fair. It was too late to apply for summer 1L positions by the time I realized I wanted to apply for summer 1L, but I was told that I could apply later in the summer to get a head start on next year. I submitted my application in August that summer and went through a three-part interview process where I was able to speak with current practicing attorneys across different departments and learn more about the different Law Department divisions.
Throughout my internship, I was primarily exposed to tort law, municipal law, and local civil procedure. Working in the Tort Division was a great primer for the New York Law exam, which you will need to take if you are taking the bar exam in New York. Even a matter as simple as a slip and fall on a sidewalk can be procedurally complex given the nature of New York City’s municipal liability laws. Every case was an interesting puzzle to solve.
My favorite assignment was leading the questioning in a deposition. In the Tort Division, you can observe several depositions in a week. Depending on the schedule, many teams will try to give you an opportunity to conduct your own deposition by the end of the internship. Most of the interns in my division were able to conduct depositions by the end of the summer.
The amount of litigation experience you get working at the NYC Law Department made the decision to return post grad an easy one. You are given a lot of responsibility as an intern, and especially as a practicing attorney once you return. My team was incredibly supportive and invested in me learning as much and practice as much as possible.
After the bar, I am looking forward to hopefully traveling a bit with my wife before my job begins in September. We are open to any great travel recommendations!
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