Assistant Corporation Counsel II

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 ii provides legal assistance and support to city departments or authorities within city government by analyzing legal opinions, briefs and other materials, preparing memoranda of law and conferring with governmental personnel or parties to legal actions in order to mediate, negotiate or set the legal issues. Incumbents, who must have been admitted to the new york state bar, perform a wide range of assignments and tasks.

The assistant corporation counsel ii presents and argues legal issues with governmental personnel, other attorneys and/or parties to legal disputes. Although these presentations vary by degree of complexity and formality, they usually involve case preparation and formulation of persuasive argument. In addition, the incumbent prepares detailed, accurate and convincing legal memoranda accompanied by appropriate citations in support of actions taken by department heads.

Incumbents to positions in this class independently plan, organize and conduct reviews and analyses on 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 for soundness of approach, proper application of legal principles and consistency with governing policies, procedures and regulations of said department.

Incumbents are employed in a confidential relationship to the corporation counsel and senior deputy corporation counsel and receives general supervision from them.

acts as 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 said 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 at judicial and administrative proceedings and presides at hearings and proceedings, and 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 court cases and proceedings at all federal and state judicial levels by preparing opening statements and summations, arguing motions, examining witnesses, consulting with parties to the proceeding, examining evidence, preparing briefs, negotiating settlements, preparing appeals and advising superiors;

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

• submits for review and advises departments on the effects of said legislation;
• recommends technical corrections and amendments to existing laws;
• follows‑up all legislation introduced on behalf of the city of buffalo with the governor's office and legislative leaders for introduction;

negotiates and prepares various legal documents, i.e.,…