Attorney, Public Law

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

$100K — $140K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
  • Current admission to practice in New York State
  • Minimum of three years of prior Public Law experience
  • Strong analytical and communication skills
  • Proven ability to build relationships with public officials

Responsibilities

  • Advise municipal and public-sector clients on legal matters
  • Draft and review local laws, resolutions, and legal documents
  • Provide legal counsel at public meetings
  • Conduct legal research and defend clients in litigation
  • Negotiate and draft agreements and prosecute code enforcement actions
  • Develop practical legal strategies for public-sector clients
  • Manage deadlines and contribute to a collaborative team environment

Benefits

  • Full-time position located in Cortland, New York
  • Focus on varied and impactful legal areas including education and environmental law
  • Opportunity for professional development and skill enhancement
  • Contribute to public interest and community engagement
  • Engagement in a collaborative team environment across various practice areas
Full Job Description
Location/Schedule:
Cortland, New York | Full-Time

Salary Description:
$100,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience

Practice:
Public Law

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include advising municipal and public-sector clients on a broad range of legal matters, including municipal law, education law, land use and zoning, code enforcement, and environmental review processes.

The attorney will draft and review local laws, resolutions, policies, procedures, contracts, leases, easements, intermunicipal agreements, and other legal documents; provide legal counsel to boards and public officials; and attend and represent clients at municipal, school district, fire district, and other public board meetings.

This role involves conducting legal research, defending municipalities and public entities in litigation and administrative proceedings, including Article 78 matters, negotiating and drafting agreements, prosecuting code enforcement actions, and developing practical legal strategies that support the operational and governance needs of public-sector clients.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders.

This role also involves managing deadlines effectively and contributing to a collaborative team environment across practice groups and offices.

Core Requirements:

Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be currently admitted to practice in New York State. Prior Public Law experience of at least three years is preferred.

We are seeking someone who is motivated to continue developing their legal skills while contributing positively to the client service standards of the firm.

To express interest, please submit a cover letter, resume, and transcripts to [email protected].

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

  • Attorney, Public Law
    $100K — $140K *
    Cortland, NY 13045 (Cortland County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person
  • Trusts & Estates Attorney
    $100K — $140K *
    Owego, NY 13827 (Tioga County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person
  • Trusts & Estates Attorney
    $100K — $140K *
    Bainbridge, NY 13733 (Chenango County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person
  • Attorney, Public Law
    $100K — $140K *
    Bainbridge, NY 13733 (Chenango County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person
  • Attorney, Public Law
    $100K — $140K *
    Binghamton, NY 13905 (Broome County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Attorney, Public Law jobs: