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Assistant County Attorney

Exam Type
Notice of Vacancy
Department
County Attorney
Job Category
Law/Legal Services
Location Category
Buffalo
Location
95 Franklin Street, Buffalo NY 14202
Posting Date
Closing Date
Salary Range
Starting annual salary: $92,196
Changed

Anticipated Job Posting

Date Posted - May 27, 2026 

Last Day to Respond to Posting - June 5, 2026 

Division/Work Unit - Litigation

Shift - Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00 pm

Employment Type - Full-Time

Appointment Type - Permanent 

Managerial Confidential At-Will Employment Notice 

Employment in this position is at-will and may be terminated at any time, for any legally permissible reason, with or without cause or prior notice.

Distinguishing Features of the Class 

Gives legal council to elected officers, commissioners and heads of departments and administrative units of the County and/or represents the County in the courts of New York State and Federal courts. Under general supervision, individual is responsible for specialized professional work of ordinary difficulty in the handling of legal problems and, if appropriate, all legal proceedings arising out of the operation of County departments and administrative units. Although the County Attorney and his/her deputies are available for supervision, consultation and advice, some latitude is given for the exercise of independent judgment in assigned matters. Supervision is not a responsibility of this position. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities 

Provides legal counsel to elected and appointed officials, commissioners and heads of departments and administrative units;

Represents the County in legal proceedings in State and Federal court when necessary;

Prepares pleadings, motion papers, briefs, memoranda and drafts other legal documents, such as contracts, leases, legislative resolutions and local laws;

Performs legal research on a broad range of subject matters.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES SPECIFIC TO LITIGATION:

  • Handle a portfolio of files in various stages of litigation from Notice of Claim to trial and appeal under the direct supervision of the County Attorney.
  • Supervise the processing of all property damage claims against the County.
  • Supervise the processing of all In Forma Pauperis applications.
  • Represent the Erie County Sheriff as petitioner in application for Extreme Risk Orders of Protection

PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Erie County Department of Law (a/k/a the Erie County Attorney’s Office) is seeking an entry level attorney (0-2 years) to join our small litigation team.  The County Attorney’s Office represents the County of Erie, its officials and employees, in a wide range of federal and state court litigation, as well as in administrative proceedings.  The successful applicant will have the ability to work independently and manage their own portfolio.  The successful applicant will demonstrate excellent research and writing skills. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Graduation from an approved school of law with a J.D. Degree.

Admission to the Bar in the State of New York.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1 year of litigation experience

Criminal Background Check 

In accordance with New York State law, a criminal background check may be conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made. A prior conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment, unless required by law or directly related to the duties of the position. Certain positions may be subject to additional background screening based on statutory or regulatory requirements. 

Remote Work Eligibility 

This position may be eligible for one remote work day per week, subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval, after successful completion of the probationary period. Participation in remote work is not guaranteed and may be modified or revoked at any time. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 

Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. 

Visa Sponsorship 

Erie County does not sponsor employment-based visa status for any position. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

If interested and meet the above qualifications, please follow the link below or scan the QR code at the top right corner of the job posting.

https://www3.erie.gov/employment/job-postings

If interested and meet the above qualifications, please forward cover letter and resume to:

Jeremy C. Toth, Esq., County Attorney, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 or email at Jeremy.Toth@erie.gov

Confidential inquiries may also be made to Jeremy Toth at 716-858-2204.