N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 200

§ 200. Corporation counsel. The corporation counsel shall be the head\nof the department of law. He may appoint, to hold office during his\npleasure, a first assistant and such other subordinates as may be\nprescribed by the board of estimate and apportionment. In case of the\nabsence or disability of the corporation counsel, or of a vacancy in the\noffice, the first assistant shall discharge the duties of the office\nuntil the corporation counsel returns, his disability ceases or the\nvacancy is filled. The corporation counsel and first assistant before\nentering upon the discharge of the duties of their respective offices,\nshall each execute and file with the city clerk an official undertaking\nin such penal sum as may be prescribed by the common council.\n