Veteran Defense Attorney Herb Greenman Takes Over as Niagara County Public Defender

After decades of representing high-profile clients, including politicians, business executives, and law enforcement officers, prominent Buffalo attorney Herbert Greenman has transitioned into public service.

At 78, Greenman has stepped into a new role as the chief public defender for Niagara County, leading an office responsible for handling thousands of cases each year for individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

The change in leadership follows an internal investigation into alleged misconduct within the Public Defender’s Office. A private Buffalo law firm was brought in to examine claims that some attorneys engaged in unprofessional behavior, including excessive drinking during lunch, falsifying time records, and making inappropriate remarks in the workplace. The findings, presented in early February prompted the resignation of former Chief Public Defender Nicholas Robinson and the departure of First Assistant Vincent Sandonato who transferred to another county position.

Prior to accepting this position on March 1st, Greenman had been preparing to step back from his career as a senior partner at Lipsitz, Green, Scime, Cambria. While he was ready to reduce his workload, he was not prepared to retire completely.

One of the immediate changes Greenman is implementing includes stricter workplace policies. Attorneys will now be required to work in the office unless they are attending court or conducting official business elsewhere, a shift from previous remote work practices.

With over 7,000 cases passing through the Public Defender’s Office annually, Greenman’s leadership marks a significant turning point as Niagara County aims to rebuild trust and ensure effective legal representation for those in need.

Veteran Defense Attorney Herb Greenman Takes Over as Niagara County Public Defender