Corporation Counsel

Corporation Counsel

The Corporation Counsel shall be the head of the Department of Law.

Appointment; Removal

The Corporation Counsel shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and may be removed at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Qualifications

The Corporation Counsel must:

• Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

• Hold a license to practice law as an attorney and counselor at law in the State of New York.

• Have at least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Duties and Powers

The Corporation Counsel shall:

1. Legal Representation

   • Prosecute and defend all actions and proceedings brought by or against the City or any of its officers, departments, commissions, boards, or other agencies, including the Board of Education and the Buffalo Sewer Authority.

   • Upon taking office, be automatically substituted for the predecessor as attorney of record in any pending actions, without a court order.

   • Institute and conduct all legal proceedings related to the City’s powers and eminent domain.

   • Act as prosecutor for violations of City ordinances and other laws not otherwise prosecuted within the City.

2. Legislative and Contractual Review

   • Prepare or approve, as to form, all local laws and ordinances before enactment by the Council.

   • Prepare or approve, as to form, all proposals for public works or services, materials, supplies, equipment, contracts, bonds, obligations, and legal instruments in which the City has an interest, except as otherwise provided by Title Four of Article Two of the Local Finance Law.

3. Financial and Labor Oversight

   • Collect past-due accounts, revenues, and other monies owed to the City.

   • Participate in the negotiation and arbitration of labor matters involving City employees.

   • Prepare or approve, as to form, all contracts or leases involving the City or its officers, agents, and employees.

4. Advisory and Administrative Duties

   • Advise the Council, its committees, and any City department, commission, board, or agency regarding their powers and duties, as well as any unliquidated claims asserted against the City.

   • Examine and approve the title of all real property acquired by the City.

   • Negotiate, implement, and monitor franchise agreements for the use of public rights-of-way.

   • Perform any other duties appropriately pertaining to the Law Department of the City.

5. Special Circumstances

   • When necessary, designate external counsel to address conflicts of interest or special circumstances.

SALARY:

$ 146,096