June 13, 2018

Picente Appoints Public Defender-Civil

News Photo

Bara Assumes Position Effective Immediately

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that Raymond F. Bara Esq. has been appointed as Public Defender-Civil effective immediately.

“Ray has extensive experience in various arenas of law and has served both the government and people of Oneida County admirably for nearly 20 years,” Picente said. “He has especially been a champion of our community’s youth through his many years as an Assistant County Attorney advocating for their rights in Family Court. I am certain he will continue his good work and lead the Public Defender-Civil Office in an exemplary manner.”

Bara, a life-long resident of Oneida County, began his county legal career in 2000, working as an Assistant Public Defender-Criminal for a year before being appointed an Assistant County Attorney. He served in that capacity for 17 years, the majority of which was spent handling juvenile delinquency, PINS and child support matters in Family Court.

He has assisted the County in preparing for HIPAA’s implementation in 2003, represented the County Attorney’s Office on various youth-related committees and task forces and lectured other attorneys at Continuing Legal Education seminars on juvenile delinquency matters.

Bara has also counseled and represented various other County departments, including the Health Department, Mental Health Department, Probation, the Sheriff’s Office, Office for the Aging and Continuing Care, the District Attorney’s Office and Mohawk Valley Community College.

“I would like to thank County Executive Picente for appointing me to this position,” Bara said. “I am looking forward to ensuring that litigants in Family Court who cannot afford an attorney still receive adequate legal representation. I plan to ensure that the Public Defender’s Office is focused on our clients and provides them with the legal advice and representation to which they are entitled and that they deserve.”

Bara graduated from New York Mills High School, received a BA in Philosophy from Siena College and received a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School. He lives in Oneida County with his wife and children.

He replaces Frank Furno who retired in April after 14 years of serving as Public Defender-Civil.

Oneida County Partners