Executive Director

The Assigned Counsel Program of Erie County is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

The Assigned Counsel Program of Erie County helps ensure that people who cannot afford counsel receive high-quality representation in criminal and family matters. The Program coordinates access to experienced private panel attorneys and equips them with training, mentoring, case conferences, legal research, investigative and forensic support, and social work assistance.

Founded in 1962, the Program has deep roots in Buffalo and Western New York's indigent-defense community. Its work protects constitutional rights, supports families, and helps clients navigate courts while facing poverty, mental health needs, family disruption, and the power of the State. Staff and panel attorneys bring strong commitment to the mission and to the people the Program serves.

The Executive Director will lead the Program in partnership with the Board of Directors, building on operational reforms underway under interim leadership. The next leader will sustain stronger billing and assignment practices, earn staff trust, and strengthen relationships with panel attorneys, courts, Erie County, and the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services (ILS). This is an opportunity for an experienced manager to improve access to counsel, support excellent representation, and guide the Program's next chapter with a lasting commitment to Buffalo and Western New York.

• Lead the Program in partnership with the Board, translating its mission into clear priorities and measurable goals for service quality and organizational performance.
• Build on reforms underway under interim leadership, assessing remaining gaps and sustaining effective practices through the transition.
• Keep the Board informed about progress, financial performance, and emerging risks, supporting sound governance and timely decisions.
• Guide change thoughtfully, drawing on staff and panel expertise and communicating clear expectations for implementation.

• Maintain a visible, accessible presence in Buffalo and build staff trust through listening, consistent decisions, and dependable follow-through.
• Support deputy attorneys, the Chief Financial Officer, and other managers; clarify responsibilities and strengthen collaboration across legal and administrative functions.
• Recruit, retain, and develop staff, providing constructive feedback and addressing performance concerns fairly and directly.
• Create a respectful workplace that values attorney and non-attorney expertise and engages employees in organizational improvements.

• Oversee criminal defense and Family Court services with experienced deputies, supporting high-quality representation and improved access to counsel.
• Strengthen panel recruitment, training, mentoring, and access to investigative, social work, and expert support while respecting attorneys’ professional independence.
• Ensure fair case assignments and timely, rigorous voucher review, sustaining billing safeguards and responding appropriately to concerns.
• Use data to monitor workloads, payment turnaround, and service gaps; improve processes and follow through on corrective actions.

• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer on budgets, public contracts, grants, and internal controls, aligning resources with priorities and reporting obligations.
• Strengthen confidence and productive relationships with Erie County, ILS, the judiciary, panel attorneys, and the broader legal community.
• Represent the Program in local and statewide discussions, advocating for sustainable funding and resources that improve…