Town Attorney

In 2025, the Town Board adopted a Local Law abolishing the Office of the Town Attorney. The Town now engages an outside law firm to serve in that capacity. In addition, the Town retains special counsel for certain specialized areas of law (such as labor relations and municipal finance), specific proceedings (such as tax certiorari), and litigation matters.

The principal function of the Town Attorney is to advise and act as legal counsel for the Town Board, Department Heads, Boards, Committees, and other officers of the Town while acting in their official capacity.

Specifically, the Town Attorney:

  • Advises and assists Town departments, boards and committees in the execution of their duties
  • Advises the Town Board as to the legal implications of contemplated policy, actions, and administrative decisions
  • Advises, defends, supervises, and coordinates outside counsel in the defense of actions and proceedings against the Town, its officers, boards and committees in any action brought against it or them in their official capacities
  • Conducts legal research and provides legal advice and opinions to the Town Board, Town Supervisor, department heads, boards and committees
  • Coordinates with the Town's insurance carriers and their attorneys in defense of the Town against tort claims.
  • Develops, drafts and reviews proposed local laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations and policies for Town programs and operations
  • Negotiates, drafts, and reviews agreements, contracts, bid documents, deeds, easements, and other legal instruments for Town transactions
  • Prepares, reviews, and processes all contracts, agreements and insurance policies
  • Prosecutes violations of the Town Code
  • Represents the Town in all civil proceedings and litigation or oversees and coordinates with outside counsel
  • Reviews and comments on legislation, rules, and regulations of other governmental agencies that may affect the Town
  • Reviews and comments on legislative proposals submitted by other outside entities, individuals, and special interest groups