Chautauqua County is taking significant steps to address its ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining legal professionals. During the Audit & Control Committee Meeting on May 22, 2025, county officials discussed a proposed local law aimed at lifting residency requirements for assistant attorney positions within the county government.

Currently, state law mandates that certain legal positions, including county attorney and district attorney roles, require residency in Chautauqua County. The proposed law seeks to broaden the candidate pool by allowing attorneys from neighboring counties to apply for these positions, provided they do not serve as designees or delegates for department heads. This change is seen as a necessary response to the county's difficulties in attracting qualified candidates, particularly younger attorneys who may have family ties or support systems in nearby areas.

The committee emphasized that while the law would open opportunities for more applicants, it also maintains safeguards to ensure that new hires cannot assume leadership roles without being county residents. This cautious approach aims to balance the need for qualified legal staff with the importance of local representation in key positions.

Committee members expressed support for the proposal, noting that it could help alleviate staffing shortages in various legal departments. The discussion highlighted the importance of adapting to modern work environments, where many legal tasks can be performed remotely, thus allowing for a more flexible interpretation of residency requirements.

As Chautauqua County moves forward with this initiative, officials are optimistic that it will enhance the county's ability to attract and retain talented legal professionals, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential implementation of the new law, which could reshape the landscape of legal employment in the region.