County Attorney

Ontario County; Town of Canandaigua (NY); On-site; USD 177,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario County seeks an experienced attorney to serve as County Attorney in the County Attorney’s Office. The role requires a JD, NYS Bar admission, and at least 10 years in government/public sector legal work, with supervisory experience preferred.

The starting salary for 2026 is $176,805 with a projected 2027 salary of $183,877, plus a comprehensive benefits package. The County Attorney will supervise a team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, and will advise on civil actions,

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the New York State Bar and licensed in good standing to practice law in NYS.
• The County Attorney shall hold no other public or political office and shall devote full working time to Ontario County.
• At least 10 years of satisfactory full-time paid legal experience in a government or public sector agency; management or supervision experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise the board of supervisors, the County Administrator, and county officers on civil legal matters.
• Prosecute and defend civil actions and proceedings involving the county and its officers.
• Formulate and implement county-wide policies as requested or required by regulations.
• Recruit, supervise, and manage attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
• Interpret federal, state, and local regulations and advise county leadership accordingly.
• Review and approve related administrative expenses for the county attorney's office.
• Provide written memoranda and opinions to department heads and agencies as needed.

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Admitted to NYS Bar

Job description

Ontario County seeks a qualified and experienced attorney to fill full‑time County Attorney position in the County Attorney’s office.

Salary

2026 Starting Salary is $176,805/year with comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, paid leave, 3% match to deferred compensation, full health and dental insurance, wellness program, EAP, professional development training, and NYS Retirement pension. 2027 Starting Salary of County Attorney is expected to be $183,877.

Special Note

The filling of this position will allow the incumbent to shadow the current County Attorney before her retirement in early 2027. Applicant must meet the qualifications for the County Attorney position at time of appointment. Anticipated start date is December 14, 2026.

Values

All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County’s shared values and behaviors to achieve the County’s Vision and Mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate Degree AND Admitted to the New York State Bar and licensed in good standing to practice law in NYS; AND
• The County Attorney shall hold no other public or political office and shall devote full working time to Ontario County.

Experience

• At least 10 years of satisfactory full‑time paid legal experience in a government or public sector agency required, and at least three years on the capacity of management or supervision of personnel is preferred.

Ontario County seeks a qualified and experienced attorney to act as legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, and the County’s departments and officers. The County Attorney’s Office is a multifunctional office which provides counsel for defense of civil actions against Ontario County, juvenile delinquency prosecution, counsel for the County’s Department of Social Services including family court and Medicare fraud, contract review and approval, risk management, labor relations, policy development and implementation, and various other areas of municipal law. The County Attorney supervises a staff of 18 attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. The successful candidate must be admitted to practice law in the State of New York.

Residency

• Per Public Officers Law and Local Law #7-2025, the County Attorney shall be a resident of Ontario County at the time of Appointment.

Description of Duties

• Legal advisor to the board of supervisors and every officer whose compensation is paid from county funds in all matters involving an official act of a civil nature;
• Prosecutes and defends all civil actions and proceedings brought by or against the county, the board of supervisors and any officer whose compensation is paid from county funds for any official act, unless otherwise excepted;
• Formulates and assists in implementation of county-wide polices as requested or required by regulations;
• Employs attorneys and staff to provide counsel or assistance in any civil action or proceeding brought by or against the county or any county officer in his official capacity and to assist in fulfilling the duties of the Office;
• Interprets Federal, State and local regulations and advises the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator and other officers;
• Reviews and approves related administrative expenses;
• Supervises the staff assigned to the department (currently 18 attorneys, paralegals, and support staff);
• Reviews and assists collaborative interaction with other agencies;
• Prepares written legal memorandum and opinions as requested;
• Provides counsel to the various department heads and county agencies on a variety of topics;

EOE