Lippes Mathias today shared that partner John J. Flynn, leader of the firm’s municipal law practice team and former Erie County district attorney, has been appointed to the New York State Justice Task Force by Chief Judge of the State of New York Hon. Rowan Wilson. Flynn, who is also president of the New York State District Attorneys Association, joins several notable names on the list, including current New York State Attorney General Letitia James. 

About the New York State Justice Task Force 

On May 1, 2009, Jonathan Lippman, Chief Judge of the State of New York, announced the creation of the New York State Justice Task Force—one of the first permanent task forces on wrongful convictions in the United States. The Justice Task Force was formed with the belief that, while these cases of wrongful convictions are tragic, we can learn a valuable lesson from each of them. By closely examining new exonerations in New York to determine how the criminal justice system failed, the Justice Task Force hopes to identify any recurring patterns and practices that may be contributing to wrongful convictions in this state. It will also enable the Justice Task Force to consider what measures should be taken to reduce—and, ideally to eliminate—the incidence of wrongful convictions. 

About John J. Flynn 

John Flynn, the leader of Lippes Mathias’ municipal law practice team, has occupied a multitude of public service roles that directly translate to his knowledge of municipal law and the representation of clients. Before joining Lippes Mathias, Flynn served nearly two terms as Erie County district attorney, prosecuting virtually every crime committed in Erie County, including the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in the city, town, and village courts; the prosecution of felony cases in State Supreme Court and Erie County Court; and the prosecution of cases in several specialty courts. Before being elected as Erie County district attorney, Flynn also served as an assistant district attorney, acting Buffalo City Court judge, town justice in the Town of Tonawanda, Tonawanda town attorney, and as a member of the Tonawanda Town Board. Flynn’s record as a public servant, in which he forged many lasting relationships, is emblematic of his ability to counsel clients of the firm on nearly all matters that fall within the sphere of municipal law. 

About Lippes Mathias LLP 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with nearly 200 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Clarence, Albany, Long Island, New York, Rochester and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla. and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, independent sponsors, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals.