Government > Departments > Law

Law Department

Office of the Corporation Counsel

In 1870, the Office of the Albany Corporation Counsel was created, and the Mayor of the City, George H. Thacher, appointed the first Corporation Counsel, E.J. Meegan, to act as the Chief Attorney for the City. Today, the Office of the Corporation Counsel continues to act as the legal adviser to the Mayor, the Common Council, as well as to all Officers, Boards, and Commissioners of the City. In addition, the office has charge of all legal business of the City and its agencies. The Corporation Counsel is responsible for drafting ordinances and resolutions for the Common Council, preparing contracts, licenses, leases, permits, deeds, and easements. Every year The Corporation Counsel prosecutes in excess of 20,000 Vehicle and Traffic Law violations, hundreds of building and codes violations, parking violations and quality of life matters on behalf of the city. In addition the office responds to hundreds of notice of claims every year and is responsible for diverse litigation involving personal injury, civil rights, environmental conservation and labor law.

The Law Department pursues affirmative litigation to recover costs for damages caused by the actions of individuals and corporations, and to recover money owed to the City. The Law Department also has the responsibility for representing the City in employee grievance and disciplinary hearings, and to appear before various state and federal agencies, commissions and departments.

The basic responsibility of the Office of the Corporation Counsel has remained the same for over 130 years. This office continues to provide sound legal advice and service to the Mayor, Common Council and the City, and it continues to stay abreast of the issues associated with the changing times. As society and the legal profession grow and become more complex, this office strives to meet those new challenges each day.

Corporation Counsel – John J. Reilly

Deputy Corporation Counsel – Tara B. Wells

Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel - Patrick K. Jordan

Assistant Corporation Counsel - Michelina C. Wotjon

Assistant Corporation Counsel - Bradford D. Burns

Assistant Corporation Counsel - William G. Kelly

Assistant Corporation Counsel - Daniela C. Weiss

Assistant Corporation Counsel - Eric P. Sugar

Contact Information

    24 Eagle Street, Room 106
    City Hall
    Albany, NY  12207
    Phone: (518) 434-5050
    Fax: (518) 434-5070