John M. Czajka is a partner with the Firm who concentrates his practice in the areas of litigation and government relations.
Mr. Czajka joins WOH after a lengthy career in public service beginning with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office where he served as an Assistant District Attorney responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor and felony matters throughout the Albany County by conducting all aspects of criminal trial practice including presentations to the grand jury, evidentiary hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice, and trials. Thereafter, Mr. Czajka joined the New York State Education Department working closely with Department leaders and the Board of Regents on educator licensure matters and conducting investigations into schools and school personnel throughout the state.
In 2014, Mr. Czajka joined the New York State Executive Chamber, Office of the Governor, as the Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Public Safety where he was responsible for advising the Governor and Executive Chamber staff on criminal justice matters as well as drafting, negotiating, and advising on legislation and agency regulations. In this capacity, Mr. Czajka was responsible for negotiating budget and governor program bills with the legislature and engaging with stakeholders throughout the state. Subsequently, he was appointed to Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, responsible for advising the Commissioner and staff on all agency legal issues including litigation, legislation, regulations, contracts, and agency policies.
Most recently, Mr. Czajka served as General Counsel of the New York State Police where he was responsible for providing legal advice to the Superintendent, Executive Committee, and the over 4,000 sworn and non-sworn State Police personnel throughout the state. As Counsel to the Troopers, Mr. Czajka coordinated and managed all NYSP involved litigation, and advised the Superintendent and the Executive Chamber on all agency legal, ethical, regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters. Additionally, Mr. Czajka was responsible for implementing policy and legislative initiatives and managing NYSP labor and employment issues.
Prior to his government service, Mr. Czajka was a litigation Associate in the white collar and regulatory defense group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in Washington D.C. representing clients in general securities and commercial litigation matters, including matters alleging violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and company shareholder derivative and class action suits.
