New York City Council Advances Steven Banks’ Nomination for Corporation Counsel Amid Staffing Concerns

### What’s happening
– Steven Banks was nominated for Corporation Counsel of New York City.
– The New York City Council Committee on Rules hosted the hearing on February 4, 2026.
– The confirmation process for Banks’ nomination is currently ongoing.

### Why it matters
– The Corporation Counsel represents the city in legal matters, impacting all residents.
– The nomination follows concerns over staffing levels and performance in the law department affecting city operations.

### Key details
– The law department is currently down 400 personnel compared to pre-pandemic levels.
– Staffing reductions have included approximately 341 positions cut by Mayor Eric Adams.
– Current law department staffing includes about 770 attorneys and 685 legal support professionals.
– Steven Banks’ nomination seeks to restore and improve efficiency within the law department as identified by prior city councils.

The nomination hearing for Steven Banks as Corporation Counsel of New York City took place on February 4, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall. During the hearing, committee members expressed concerns regarding the significant staff reductions within the law department, which have resulted in operational inefficiencies for city agencies.

In discussing staffing challenges, it was noted that the law department has lost approximately 400 personnel since pre-pandemic levels, leading to difficulties in processing critical city contracts and legal matters. Specifically, a recent inquiry revealed that the law department is experiencing a vacancy rate of around 24%, which severely affects its ability to function effectively.

Several council members emphasized the importance of restoring the department’s staffing levels to enhance its ability to handle litigation and serve city residents efficiently. Banks reiterated his commitment to evaluating staffing needs closely and developing a strategy to recruit new lawyers amid budgetary constraints.

The testimony highlighted a need for improved hiring practices and a thorough examination of areas where legal services can create efficiency savings. With the city’s overall budget challenges in mind, Banks acknowledged the historical context of staffing reductions while committing to a review process aimed at meeting current legal demands.

The nomination is crucial not only for the city’s legal strategy but also for addressing the ongoing and pressing challenges faced by the law department. As such, the timely restoration of staff and operational efficiency remains a key focus in Banks’ proposed plans.

Counsel members indicated their hope for positive changes in the department’s structure and the ability to respond proactively to legal challenges facing New Yorkers. The next steps in the confirmation process remain important as the City Council evaluates the potential impact of Banks’ leadership on municipal governance.

Source: https://youtu.be/C1My8lC6V6E