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 representation of clients. Before joining Lippes Mathias, Mr. 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. Prior to being elected as Erie County District Attorney, Mr. 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. Mr. 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. 

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. After he fulfilled his naval commitment, Flynn returned to Buffalo, NY, and attended the University of Buffalo School of Law. While in law school he continued to serve in the Naval Reserves. Upon graduation from law school in 1995, he went back on active duty and served in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. He served as a Navy attorney at Pensacola Naval Air Station, in Pensacola, FL, where he was also appointed a Special Assistant United States Attorney. He then served his final two years on active duty at the United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, MD, as the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Legal Counsel and as an instructor. Flynn was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals during his time on active duty. 

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).