Schenectady’s city lawyer quit the lawsuit against Justin Chaires’ council appointment due to a conflict, but the case continues.

Schenectady’s city lawyer, Maxine Barasch, has stepped down from the city’s lawsuit to block Justin Chaires from joining the City Council, citing a potential conflict of interest since her office also represents the council. The case continues with new attorneys from Girvin & Ferlazzo. The city filed the lawsuit on December 22 to challenge Chaires’ appointment after the council overrode Mayor Gary McCarthy’s veto. A temporary restraining order remains in place until at least January 21. Chaires, 35, would serve the final year of former council member Joseph Mancini’s term, with the seat up for election in November 2026. The city’s budget impasse was resolved when the council passed an $119 million budget without a mayoral veto.