Paul Michalek Jr., a lifelong West Seneca resident and experienced attorney, has announced his campaign to be West Seneca’s next Town Justice. 

A graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan, Michalek has practiced law for over two decades at nearly every level of the court system, both as a prosecutor and in private practice. 

“As an Erie County Assistant District Attorney, I was honored to represent our community in both the Felony Trials and Buffalo City Court & Justice Court Bureaus, where I partnered with law enforcement to prosecute some of our community’s most serious crimes which included  homicides and DWI’s, as well as interview victims and their families, and obtain accountability on behalf of the most vulnerable,” said Michalek. 

Upon leaving the District Attorney’s office in 2010, Michalek opened the Law Office of Paul Michalek, Jr. in West Seneca. He practices in nearly every Town and Village Court in Erie County and County, Supreme, and Federal courts. 

“For the last fifteen years, I have represented thousands of clients in issues across the legal field, including criminal defense and family law. I’ve been humbled to earn the respect of colleagues, judges, and clients through my dedication to and knowledge of the law, commitment to fairness, and integrity in the judicial system.” 

“I am running for Town Judge because, as someone born and raised in this community, and now raising my own family here, I am deeply invested in ensuring our town thrives. I believe in upholding justice with fairness, integrity, as well as compassion. My goal is to serve our community by ensuring everyone who comes before the court is treated with respect, while working to preserve the values that make our town a great place to live for generations to come. As the only candidate with more than twenty years’ experience practicing in Town Courts throughout Erie County, I am ready for the opportunity to hear cases in one of the County’s busiest Town Courts.” 

In addition to running his practice, Michalek serves on Erie County’s Assigned Counsel Panel and the Attorneys for Children Program, providing legal representation for individuals who cannot afford counsel and children involved in Family Court proceedings. He is also a member of the Federal Court Criminal Justice Act Panel, providing legal services to people charged with federal offenses. 

Michalek lives in West Seneca with his wife, a teacher in the West Seneca school district for over twenty years, and his four children. Before joining the District Attorney’s office, Michalek was an associate with the Law Offices of Michalek and Harrington. 

Michalek earned his bachelor’s degree from Canisius College and is a proud alumnus of St. Francis High School, where he serves as the School’s Attorney. He coaches the St. Francis Mock Trial team, helping students learn the intricacies and details of the legal process.