City of Lackawanna Law Department

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:

• • Represent 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;
  • Conducts legal research on City matters and provides opinions to the Mayor, City Council, and Department Heads;
  • Drafts proposed legislation, resolutions, 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;
  • Participates in and/or oversees bargaining unit and non-collective bargaining unit grievances, arbitrations, and disciplinary hearings;
  • Examines and approves title to all real property acquired by the City and prepares documents for the purchase and sale of City property; conducts real property closings as necessary for the City and Community Development;
  • Retains outside counsel as needed;
  • Prepares and reviews agreements, leases, and easements affecting City-owned real property;
  • Prepares and reviews all contracts between the City and vendors;
  • Initiates and defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the City;
  • Defends assessment challenges brought against the City;
  • Prosecutes foreclosure proceedings brought by the City;
  • Prepares, reviews, and provides advice in relation to all bids and specifications;
  • Investigates all claims against the City and coordinates the defense of claims with outside counsel;
  • Counsels the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board;
  • Attends City Council meetings, special meetings, and caucus sessions.

The Assistant City Attorney/City Prosecutors prosecutes 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.