Tops Markets LLC appointed Michael Biehler as corporate counsel and director of government affairs, a new position within the Tops organization.

Responsible for providing legal services to senior management and to all operating and administrative arms of Tops Markets, he will analyze business problems and evaluate the legal risks and benefits. Biehler will manage and oversee all legal and regulatory compliance issues for the supermarket chain.

Biehler previously worked in the law department at Tops, was an in-house legal counsel at National Grid and practiced at Jaeckle Fleischman & Mugel LLP. He earned his law degree at the University at Buffalo Law School.

Lawyers help plan Scouts golf tournament

Four area attorneys are planning the 21st annual Scouter Citizen of the Year Golf Tournament.

Tournament committee members include Sean Beiter of Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP, Gordon Gannon Jr. of Gannon Gannon & Sullivan, R. Kent Roberts of Hodgson Russ LLP and John Schmidt of Phillips Lytle LLP.

The fundraiser, to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Niagara Frontier Council, will be held from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg.

Last year's tournament raised more than $35,000 for services that benefit local Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing and Exploring programs and Scoutreach Programs for youth and families in the local community. For more information, call 891-4073 or go to www.wnyscouting.org.

Court Resource Center open for business

The new 8th Judicial District Court Resource Center begins operations today. The center, which will help self-represented or "pro se" litigants find their way through the court system, was formally launched June 6.

"It seems like there'll be a huge need that will be filled," said District Administrative Judge Hon. Sharon Townsend.

Staff can distribute sample forms and referral information for legal services, but are not able to give visitors legal advice. Townsend said the venue was created to minimize inconvenience to citizens and to provide access to justice.

Court attorney Ann Arnold, a former deputy chief clerk in Niagara Supreme and County Court, and Associate Clerk Michelle Zurek have been hired to work at the center.

The center, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, is located on the first floor of Erie County Courthouse, 92 Franklin St., Room 105.

For more information, call 845-1816 or see www.nycourts.gov/courts/8jd/resource.shtml.

Beiter participating in labor conference

Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP partner Sean Beiter will present at the 34th annual training conference of the New York State Public Employer Labor Relations Association, presenting a talk on drug testing procedures and related negotiations.

The conference is happening today through Wednesday in Saratoga Springs.

Beiter is administrator of the firm's labor and employment practice group and represents employers in collective bargaining, contract administration and employment-discrimination law.

- Compiled by Jodi Sokolowski