Lippes Mathias today announced that John J. Flynn, the 41st Erie County district attorney, has officially assumed his role as a partner. Flynn, who was elected as Erie County district attorney in 2017 and reelected to a second term in 2020, announced his intention to join Lippes Mathias during a press conference in January. Flynn will lead the firm’s municipal law practice team, an area where he has gained extensive experience through his roles as Erie County district attorney, assistant district attorney, acting Buffalo City Court judge, town justice in the Town of Tonawanda, Tonawanda town attorney, a member of the Tonawanda Town Board, and more than a decade spent in private law practice.

Comprised of attorneys who regularly practice in litigation, corporate, real estate, labor and employment, land use and zoning and general municipal law, Lippes Mathias’ municipal practice team has significant legal experience representing municipalities of various sizes. The team has handled virtually every type of legal matter that arises in a municipal context, including drafting and revising local laws and ordinances; charter interpretation, application and revision; personal injury claims; contracts; real estate transactions; legislative matters; and complex litigation.

“It’s not every day that a firm has the opportunity to add someone as highly regarded and respected as John,” Kevin J. Cross, Lippes Mathias’ managing partner and chairman, said. “John’s extensive experience as a public servant provides our municipal law practice an advantage that elevates it to a new level and infuses it with decades of real-world insight. His decision to join us underscores his alignment with the unique positive culture we value at our firm.”

In addition to earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University and his J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law, Flynn, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, is a graduate of Naval Officer Candidate School, Naval Justice School, and Navy Supply Corps School. As Erie County district attorney, Flynn served as president of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY), as president of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and is a lifetime member of the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ).