Attorney, Public Law

REPORTS TO: Practice Group Leader

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PAY RANGE: $100,000 to $140,000 per year

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is seeking a full-time attorney admitted in New York State with at least three years of experience to join our Public Law Practice Group in our Bainbridge office.

Coughlin & Gerhart proudly dates back to the 1890s and has grown to include seven offices in New York and one in Pennsylvania. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our founding principles as a law firm focused upon client relationships and our dedication to fully meeting the needs of our individual, business, and municipal clients.

We offer numerous highly experienced and skilled attorneys, diverse practice areas, and a core belief that everyone who seeks the services of an attorney deserves to be treated as a priority, from the time they meet with us in an initial consultation, to when their legal matter is resolved.

• Current New York Bar admission.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• 3+ years of experience in Public Law preferred.
• Desire to develop and further legal skills.

 Responsibilities 

• Interpretation and advice on municipal law, education law, SEQR, code enforcement, land use, and zoning.
• Representing municipal clients at board meetings, including town, village, city, fire district and school district meetings.
• Drafting and reviewing local laws, resolutions, policies and procedures, and contracts.
• Defending municipal clients in litigation and claims, including research and drafting legal documents in Article 78 proceedings.
• Negotiate/draft/review of contracts, leases, bid documents, easements, indemnification agreements, inter local agreements, and other documents.
• Prosecuting code enforcement cases, including building code, zoning code and dangerous dog cases.

Skills

• Must be skillful in managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgement.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and promptly respond to client needs.
• Ability to write in a clear, concise, and effective manner.
• Excellent verbal communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to perform quick and reliable research.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and convey information effectively in person, by email, and telephone.
• Committed to legal profession and teamwork approach.

Coughlin & Gerhart provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

Please express interest by sending a cover letter, resume and transcripts to: [email protected]