N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 200: Corporation counsel

§ 200. Corporation counsel. The corporation counsel shall be the head

of the department of law. He may appoint, to hold office during his

pleasure, a first assistant and such other subordinates as may be

prescribed by the board of estimate and apportionment. In case of the

absence or disability of the corporation counsel, or of a vacancy in the

office, the first assistant shall discharge the duties of the office

until the corporation counsel returns, his disability ceases or the

vacancy is filled. The corporation counsel and first assistant before

entering upon the discharge of the duties of their respective offices,

shall each execute and file with the city clerk an official undertaking

in such penal sum as may be prescribed by the common council.