NYC Law Department welcomes 53 new assistant corporation counsels

September 9, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

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Acting Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant recently swore in 53 new assistant corporation counsels, marking the arrival of the New York City Law Department’s Class of 2024. These attorneys join nearly 800 lawyers across 22 divisions, representing the nation’s oldest, largest, and most diverse municipal law office.

The new attorneys, with backgrounds from across the United States, will represent New York City, its mayor, elected officials, and agencies in various civil litigation matters, juvenile delinquency proceedings in Family Court, and Administrative Code enforcement in Criminal Court.

Many of the new assistant corporation counsels bring unique backgrounds and skills, including training in Capoeira martial arts, competing in rodeos, and professional dance training at Alvin Ailey. One is a certified scuba diver, while others have experience as flight attendants, USNA boxing champions and majorettes. Among the group are also a twin and a triplet, adding to the diversity of the incoming class.

Muriel Goode-Trufant, a graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and the University of Pennsylvania, began her career at the New York City Law Department in 1991 as an attorney in the General Litigation Division. Over the years, she has held various key positions, including assistant chief of the General Litigation Division, EEO officer, and chief of the Special Federal Litigation Division.

In 2015, she became the Law Department’s managing attorney and was appointed first assistant corporation counsel in 2023. Prior to joining the City, she was an associate at the Philadelphia firm Cohen, Shapiro, Polisher, Shiekman & Cohen. Goode-Trufant has received numerous accolades, including the Law Department’s highest honor, the Corporation Counsel’s Award for Distinguished Legal Service.