John J. Poklemba, Attorney

Upon graduation with honors from St. John's University School of Law, John Poklemba began his public service career in 1975 as Law Secretary in the New York State Supreme Court. He then served as Deputy Counsel in the New York State Office of Court Administration from 1977 to 1981 and as Chief Appellate Law Assistant, New York State Appellate Division, Fourth Department, from 1981-1984.

In February of 1984, John was appointed Chief Counsel to the New York State Director of Criminal Justice. In this capacity, he was responsible for all legal duties involved in supervising and coordinating the eight New York State Criminal Justice Agencies.

In December of 1987, John was appointed to the twin posts of New York State Director of Criminal Justice and Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. In the latter office, he supervised the State's Criminal Justice Information and Planning Agency.

As Director of Criminal Justice, he served as the Governor's Chief Criminal Justice Advisor and as the State's primary spokesperson and policy maker in the criminal justice field. Among his most important accomplishments are the passage of the Organized Crime Control Act, the development of comprehensive drug enforcement through the Statewide Drug Enforcement Task Force, and nationally recognized technological advances such as the Statewide Criminal Justice Data Communications Network and the Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System. In addition to his work in law enforcement, John was a leader in modern correction innovation. His major initiatives include the Shock Incarceration Program, the Earned Eligibility Program, and the establishment of five Comprehensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Prisons.

John moved into private law practice in July, 1991 and became a principal in the law firm of Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C., Glen Falls, New York. He concentrated his practice in the areas of litigation, governmental relations, municipal law, labor law and labor negotiations, and administrative law. From 1992-1994, he served as Chairman of the Governor's Judicial Screening Committee for the Third Judicial Department and a member of the New York State University at Albany Council.

In June of 1999, John and his law partner from the Bartlett firm, Gary C. Hobbs, formed the law firm of Poklemba & Hobbs, LLC. The firm maintains its central office in Saratoga Springs, with additional offices in Albany, and Glens Falls. John also serves as Counsel to the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police. Poklemba & Hobbs, LLC maintains an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest rating available to a law firm. Mr. Poklemba has received numerous awards for civic and community activities.