City of Lackawanna Law Department

John Gaughan
City Attorney
cityattorney@lackny.com

Staff:
Denise Fitzgibbons, Legal Assistant
lawclerk@lackny.com
(716) 827-6479  Fax (716) 827-6480

The Office of the City Attorney advises and represents the City of Lackawanna, the City Council, and all City Departments with respect to legal affairs of the City. Duties and services provided to the Mayor, members of the City Council, and all City Departments include, but are not limited to:

Representation of the Mayor, City Council, elected officials, and City Departments with respect to the prosecution and/or defense of all actions and proceedings brought by or against the City.

Conducting legal research on behalf of the Mayor, City Council, and Department Heads and providing opinions to the City Council;

Drafting proposed legislation, local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies for the City, and reviewing legislative proposals submitted by outside agencies, individuals, and special interest groups which may impact the City.

Participation in and/or oversight of grievances, arbitration, and disciplinary hearings.

Examination and approval of title to all real property acquired by the City and preparation of documents regarding the purchase and sale of City property; conducting real property closings as necessary for the City and Community Development

Preparation and review of agreements, leases, and easements affecting City-owned real property

Preparation and review of all contracts between City departments and vendors

Initiation and defense of actions and proceedings on behalf of the City

Defense of assessment challenges brought against the City

Prosecution of foreclosure proceedings brought by the City

Preparation, review, and approval of all bids and specifications

Investigation of all claims against the City and coordination of defense of claims with outside counsel retained through self-insurance program

Counsel to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board

Preparation of resolutions on various matters for City Council meetings

Attendance at City Council meetings and Work Sessions.

The City Prosecutors prosecute City ordinance and local law violations, as well as Vehicle and Traffic and Penal Law violations (not including misdemeanors and felonies, which are handled by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office).

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ETHICALLY AND BY STATE LAW IS UNABLE TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR OPINIONS TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS.

FOR PRIVATE ISSUES AND CONFLICTS, ONE MUST SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PRIVATE ATTORNEY.

City of Lackawanna Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy