Defending the Constitution and the Rule of Law

About James Gardner

James Gardner has spent his entire legal career working on the frontline of Erie County’s justice system. For more than 14 years, both as a prosecutor and now as a law clerk, Gardner has developed the experience and the expertise to serve as Erie County’s chief law enforcement officer.

Hired fresh out of law school as an Assistant Erie County District Attorney, Gardner worked his way up through the local courts, trying misdemeanors and DWIs all over Erie County’s villages, towns and cities. Gardner honed his skill as a trial lawyer in County and Supreme Court, prosecuting Erie County’s most serious crimes.

In addition to trying cases, Gardner learned how to assist and direct law enforcement investigations, understanding the necessity of close working relationships with Erie County’s law enforcement agencies.

Gardner left the Erie County District Attorney’s Office to serve as the principal law clerk to Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case. As a law clerk, Gardner has deepened his knowledge of the law through the research required to draft the court’s civil, criminal and appellate decisions.

Outside of the courthouse, Gardner is an active community volunteer. Gardner serves as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, a board member of One Symphony Circle and a trustee on the Edward H. Butler Foundation.

Gardner and his wife Abby live in Buffalo with their three kids and an ungrateful mutt they love dearly.