michael-smilowitz

Department of Finance


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Michael Smilowitz
General Counsel

Michael Smilowitz joined the Department of Finance as general counsel in August 2023. Prior to joining the Department of Finance, Michael Smilowitz served as a senior counsel in the New York City Law Department’s Division of Legal Counsel, where he advised City agencies on a variety of legal issues and drafted and negotiated legislation. His particular focus was on financial and separation of powers matters.

Prior to working with the Law Department, Michael served as a senior counsel for the 2018 New York City Charter Revision Commission, as an assistant general counsel with the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, and as an attorney for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Michael received the New York City Bar Association Municipal Affairs Award in 2022 and the Division of Legal Counsel’s Division Chief’s Award in 2021. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and Bates College.