Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Senior Deputy / Special Corporation Counsel serves under the direction of the Corporation Counsel and acts as a senior legal advisor and administrator within the Law Department. This position assumes the full powers and duties of the Corporation Counsel in the absence, disability, or vacancy of the Corporation Counsel.

In addition to general legal duties, the Senior Deputy / Special Corporation Counsel may be assigned oversight of specialized programs, including municipal agency investigations, administration of adjudication bureaus, and other high-level legal or operational projects. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Corporation Counsel, with considerable latitude to exercise independent judgment in handling assigned responsibilities.

Typical Work Activities

• Act in place of the Corporation Counsel during the absence, disability, or vacancy of that office, exercising full legal authority.

• Assist the Corporation Counsel in prosecuting and defending legal actions involving the City, its departments, boards, and agencies.

• Administer the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, ensuring effective operations and compliance with laws and regulations.

• Monitor and investigate activities of municipal agencies and authorities, including the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, and report findings to the Mayor with recommendations for efficiency improvements or corrective actions.

• Provide legal counsel and advice to City officials, departments, commissions, boards, and agencies regarding powers, duties, and compliance issues.

• Review, draft, and approve contracts, leases, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal instruments.

• Represent the City in court, administrative proceedings, arbitration, and negotiations.

• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to Deputy Corporation Counsels and other subordinate staff.

• Coordinate with other senior legal staff to address conflicts of interest or matters requiring outside counsel.

• Perform other legal, supervisory, or administrative duties as assigned by the Corporation Counsel.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

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

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

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing law, preferably in municipal or public-sector law.

• Knowledge of municipal law, administrative law, contract law, civil litigation, and labor relations.

• Ability to provide clear, accurate, and strategic legal advice to elected officials, administrators, and department staff.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to supervise, train, and mentor subordinate legal staff effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex investigations and report findings with actionable recommendations.

• Professional integrity, discretion, tact, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Physical and mental capacity to perform the duties of the position.

Preferred Minimum Qualifications

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

• Admission to the New York State Bar.

• At least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney, with public-sector or municipal experience preferred.

• Supervisory or administrative experience is highly desirable.

• Experience in oversight of municipal agencies or administrative adjudication is advantageous.

Additional Notes

• The Senior Deputy / Special Corporation Counsel may act as Corporation Counsel during any vacancy or absence.

• Assignments may include specialized oversight responsibilities, investigations, and reporting directly to the Mayor, in addition to traditional legal duties.

• Responsibilities may be adapted based on departmental needs and at the discretion of the Corporation Counsel.

SALARY:
$ 141,110