Assistant Corporation Counsel I (Permanent)

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW. 

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER   (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.) 

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

The Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Municipal Attorney performs a wide range of assignments and tasks associated with providing legal assistance and support to city departments/agencies within city government. With advice and assistance from the Assistant Corporation Counselor II, incumbents analyze legal opinions, briefs and other material, prepares memoranda of law and confers with governmental personnel or parties as to legal action in order to mediate, negotiate or settle legal issues. The Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Municipal Attorney presents and argues legal issues with governmental personnel, other attorneys and/or parties to legal disputes. Although these presentations vary in degree of complexity and formality, they usually involve case preparation and formulation of persuasive arguments. In addition, incumbents prepare detailed, accurate and convincing legal memoranda accompanied by appropriate citations in support of actions taken by department heads. They plan, organize and conduct reviews and analyze day-to-day legal problems, cases and legislative proposals. Completed work is expected to be accurate with regard to legal citations and the technical treatment of facts and legal precedents. Work is reviewed periodically by an Assistant Corporation Counsel II for soundness of approach, proper application of legal principles and consistency with policies, procedures and regulations of said department. This position differs from Assistant Corporation Counsel II in that incumbents to the Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Municipal Attorney independently handle litigation in the City Court of Buffalo or at administrative hearings. They may assist the Assistant Corporation Counsel II in proceedings at all county, state and federal judicial levels. The Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Municipal Attorney, who has been admitted to the New York State Bar, is employed in a confidential relationship to the Corporation Counsel and Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel and receives general supervision from them.

Acts as an assistant general counsel for a large city department, board, authority or a group of smaller such entities;

-provides legal advice and opinions to staff, complainants and others in connection with the activities and services provided by such departments;

-conducts legal research of statutes, decisions, opinions and other legal sources in order to respond, both orally and in writing, to requests for legal decisions and opinions;

-researches requests and inquiries from department staff and prepares legal decisions and opinions and consults with department personnel regularly;

-interprets pertinent laws, rules, regulations, procedures, etc.;

Prepares and presents arguments in the City Court of Buffalo and at administrative proceedings;

-prepares findings, orders or decisions in an area ranging from employee disciplinary actions, to compliance with statutory regulations, to defense of claims against the City of Buffalo or its related agencies;

Tries Buffalo City Court cases and assists in the proceedings at all County, State and Federal judicial levels by preparing opening statements and summations, 

arguing motions, examining witness, consulting with parties to the proceedings, examining evidence, preparing briefs, negotiating settlement, preparing appeals and advising superiors;

Assists the Assistant Corporation Counsel II in the preparation of court cases  including the preparation of discovery, motions and appellate briefs;

Prepares drafts of state and local laws, city ordinances and council resolutions;

-submits for review and advises departments on the effects of said legislation;

-recommends technical corrections and amendments to existing laws;

Negotiates and prepares various legal documents, i.e., contracts, deeds and leases with outside parties;

-reviews documents for legal sufficiency;

-prepares legal documents, i.e., contracts, agreements, mortgages and other legal instruments;

Prepares the necessary legal papers to enforce laws, rules and regulations for services rendered by departments and reviews claims and approves payments;

-determines violations of laws, rules, etc., or is advised of such violations;

-prepares appropriate legal documents to enforce laws, rules, etc.;

-processes court orders and prepares and presents cases at proceedings concerning such actions;

-evaluates and negotiates amount of settlements with parties concerned;

Performs other and above legal services as deemed necessary by the Corporation Counselor Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of municipal law in the State of New York;

Good knowledge of the laws governing civil and criminal practice and procedures, administrative law and supporting rules, regulations, legal terminology and forms;

Good knowledge of techniques employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems;

Working knowledge of trial techniques and investigative and interviewing techniques;

Working knowledge of techniques of extracting information from others including reluctant witnesses;

Ability to organize large volumes of factual and legal data into clear and logical sequences;

Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant cases, opinions and facts; 

Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations;

Ability to both orally and in written form convince others of the legality of a specific action or point of view; 

Ability to establish a working rapport with others both in the legal profession and layman; 

Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in a convincing manner; 

Ability to communicate information clearly and succinctly in both oral and written form;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

(Must be presented at time of filing application),
1.) Juris Doctor Degree from a Law School of recognized standing,
2.) A License to practice as an Attorney and Counselor for the Courts of the State of New York,

Good knowledge of municipal law in the State of New York;
Good knowledge of the laws governing civil and criminal practice and procedures, administrative law and supporting rules, regulations, legal terminology and forms;
Good knowledge of techniques employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems;
Working knowledge of trial techniques and investigative and interviewing techniques;
Working knowledge of techniques of extracting information from others including reluctant witnesses;
Ability to organize large volumes of factual and legal data into clear and logical sequences;
Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant cases, opinions and facts;
Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations;
Ability to both orally and in written form convince others of the legality of a specific action or point of view;
Ability to establish a working rapport with others both in the legal profession and layman;
Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in a convincing manner;
Ability to communicate information clearly and succinctly in both oral and written form;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Assistant Corporation Counsel I/Municipal Attorney #2679 (cont'd.).