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Municipalities and Local Agencies

Industry Team

2023 Best Lawyers Beast Law Firms - U.S. News and World Reports - Municipal Law-Tier 1. Buffalo,
  • New York Governor Hochul Announces Aggressive, Statewide New Housing Strategy
  • Partner H. Todd Bullard Quoted by Bloomberg Law on Firefighting Foam and PFAS
  • Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO): New York State Municipal Police Training Council Issues Model Policy
Profile
Sectors
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People

Harris Beach attorneys’ significant government experience, ranging from municipal corporation counsel to commissioners and executives at state regulatory agencies and authorities, provides us with a unique perspective for assisting New York state municipalities and local agencies. Through our statewide representation of municipalities and agencies of all sizes, our attorneys and consulting professionals have earned a strong reputation for providing creative solutions to their fiscal, operational and economic challenges.

Ensuring responsible and efficient governance, implementing effective policies, addressing financial goals and adhering to local, state and federal regulations are some of the challenges shared by all municipalities and local agencies. Harris Beach represents agencies, authorities, municipal corporations, municipal boards, industrial development agencies (IDAs), and local development corporations (LDCs) in a diverse array of legal, policy, regulatory and programmatic matters.

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Brownfield Redevelopment

Compliance and Oversight

The Public Authority Accountability Act, Procurement Lobbying Act, Public Employees Ethics Reform Act, Public Authorities Reform Act, Public Integrity Reform Act and the New York State Attorney General Code of Conduct are just some of the reform measures that have been put into place in recent years which have changed the landscape of ethics, lobbying and compliance. Public sector compliance systems should be aware of these reforms so that they remain compliant. Harris Beach counsels municipal, agency and authority clients on compliance and public oversight with specific guidance on organizational and operational issues, including governance, ethics, freedom of information law, open meetings law, procurements, property dispositions and compliance reporting requirements. Our attorneys assist with legislative formation, board configuration, policy development, program planning and implementation, financing matters, real property management and disposition, contracting, fiscal matters, bidding and procurement procedures, audit control and audit implementation.

Cybersecurity

To protect your data, your business interests and your reputation, you need robust protection that extends beyonf firewalls. Our cybersecurity team provides a full range of data privacy and cybersecurity services: compliance counseling and legal risk assessments, defense in litigation and investigations, advisement on state and federal regulations and rapid response should a breach occur. Our attorneys, information security and communications management professionals partner with you to reduce risk and give you data the defense it deserves.

Economic Development Incentives and Municipal Assistance for Organizations

Economic Development/Public Finance

Harris Beach attorneys are highly experienced in the administration and capture of business tax incentives. On a daily basis, we work on complex projects at the state and federal levels involving taxable and tax-exempt bond financing, Payment-in-Lieu-of-Tax (PILOT) Increment Financing, Tax Increment Financing, Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credit, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Empowerment Zone Incentives, Renewal Community Incentives and Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

We represent municipalities throughout New York state on a full range of issues. The attorneys engaged in the firm’s public finance practice have served as general obligation bond counsel to municipalities, school districts, special improvement districts and fire districts throughout New York state. We also counsel local and state financing authorities and IDAs on their economic development initiatives. In addition, the firm’s public finance attorneys have served as counsel to underwriters in relation to bond and note issues of municipalities, school districts and authorities. Harris Beach is listed as a recognized bond counsel firm in the “Municipal Bond Attorneys” section of The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace. Harris Beach has rendered opinions in thousands of transactions, involving in excess of $100 billion aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt obligations.

Our attorneys provide counsel on debt limitation, reserve requirements, issuance authority, disclosure requirements, rating agency concerns, qualifying investment candidates and other bond-related issues. Harris Beach also offers counsel on special district formation and financing for expanding municipal infrastructure needs.

Energy Law

Our Energy Industry Team has significant experience securing project funding, maximizing renewable and alternative energy incentive programs, and ensuring compliance with evolving state and federal energy regulations. We work with those who own, develop, purchase or sell energy, and we represent a diverse group of clients including municipalities, Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held businesses, public benefit corporations and not-for-profit organizations.

We also provide strategic advice related to public affairs, federal and state regulatory matters, general compliance, competitive energy markets and trading, securing regulatory approvals, negotiating contracts, and environmental permitting. Representative clients in the public sector include local governments, public benefit corporations, municipal distribution agencies, and LDCs and IDAs involved in the generation, transmission, purchase and sale of conventional and alternative energy. This work includes development, permitting, and financing matters involving both conventional and alternative energy production facilities throughout New York state, such as solar, ethanol, biodiesel, biogas and wind facilities.

Environmental Law

Harris Beach provides legal counsel to municipalities and public benefit corporations on a broad range of environmental law issues. Our attorneys advise clients on the responsibilities, exposures and liabilities that result from federal, state and local environmental legislation and regulations. We guide clients through environmental impact review processes such as the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the New York City Environmental Quality Review Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. We also handle regulatory issues relating to land use, hazardous substances and asbestos.

Harris Beach has a proven track record of helping New York state municipalities maximize Brownfield redevelopment opportunities and navigate their way through New York’s Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program and evolving Brownfield Cleanup Program. We work with municipalities to complete BOA planning work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to identify specific development opportunities. Regarding specific projects, we provide counsel with respect to the acquisition, disposition, remediation and financing of brownfield remediation and redevelopment projects. Our comprehensive approach to municipal brownfield planning and project implementation blends federal, state and local economic incentive programs and coordinates efforts for remediation and redevelopment to achieve community and stakeholder objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Grant Writing and Administration

Harris Beach provides comprehensive grant writing services that include planning, data and resource research, and proposal writing, packaging, submission and follow-up. Harris Beach offers these services to assist municipalities, local agencies and other applicants with grant proposals for a variety of funding purposes.

Harris Beach attorneys and professionals have wide-ranging experience with intergovernmental affairs, municipal privatization and grant administration on the federal, state and local levels. We administer grant and loan programs through the federal Economic Development Administration, the Empire State Development Corporation and its Restore New York Communities Initiative, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Governor’s Office for Small Cities and the Community Development Block Grant program. We also coordinate and administer grants through New York state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program and the Environmental Quality Bond Act.

Improving New York State Through Economic Development

Labor and Employment Law

With one of the largest and most active labor law practices in New York state, Harris Beach handles all aspects of labor and employment law and litigation for management, including collective bargaining, negotiations, union organizing, labor contract administration, employment discrimination, employee benefits, occupational health and safety, and personnel policies. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience with all types of discrimination, including age, gender, sexual harassment, national origin, race, religion and disability matters.

Our Labor and Employment Law Practice Group assisted one of the largest counties in New York state by negotiating nine labor agreements covering approximately 4,500 employees in various divisions of county government. The prior contracts had expired and the county was facing a projected budget deficit over the next two years of more than $100 million. Through an intensive negotiations process, our attorneys were able to assist the client in reducing health insurance costs and keeping wage increases at a modest rate to achieve a projected cumulative savings for the county of over $87 million over the life of the new contracts.

Land Use, Zoning and Development

Our attorneys have vast experience in the areas of land use, zoning and development, real property acquisition and financing, architectural and construction contracting, municipal law and leasing.

As zoning and development counsel, the firm is available to assist, as needed, in all phases of a project, including all aspects of site acquisitions (which can be done by negotiated purchase or government assisted condemnation), financing for the project (which may include conventional construction and permanent mortgage loans or lease financing), negotiation of agreements with architects, general contractors and/or construction managers, negotiation of leases and assistance in the local government approval processes, including zoning, subdivision and environmental approvals.

Municipal Law

Harris Beach provides a full range of legal services to municipalities and local agencies throughout New York state. Our attorneys assist these entities with legislative formation, board configuration, policy development, program planning and implementation, transactions, financing matters, real property management and disposition, fiscal matters, bidding and procurement procedures, audit control, audit implementation, labor and employment issues, as well as general litigation.

Harris Beach attorneys and professionals offer insight based on diverse backgrounds and years of experience working for and on behalf of municipalities and local agencies. Our team includes professionals who serve as or have served in the public sector as policy makers. This unique collection of experience provides Harris Beach clients with an unmatched perspective and counsel on the challenging matters facing municipal and local agency clients.

Municipal Litigation

Harris Beach attorneys have extensive litigation experience in federal and New York state courts and handle virtually any type of dispute. Our attorneys have represented municipalities and agencies in countless claims, including tort liability, municipal liability, administrative proceedings, SEQRA proceedings, Article 78 proceedings, §1983 civil rights matters and contractual matters.

New Markets Tax Credit

Real Estate and Project Management

Harris Beach represents clients in the acquisition, disposition, development, leasing and financing of property. This includes purchase and sale agreements, zoning and development approvals, architectural and construction contracting, joint ventures, financing packages, equity and syndications, and the formation of the appropriate entity structures to implement transactions. Our attorneys counsel clients on all aspects of a project, including commercial real estate, construction and surety law, and environmental law. We work to maximize the financial savings available to our clients through a blending of the New York State Environmental Restoration Program, Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, Brownfield Cleanup Program and other financial incentive programs.

We assist municipalities with exercising their condemnation powers governed by New York’s Eminent Domain Procedure Law. Harris Beach has broad experience in condemnation proceedings and coordinating public hearings, arbitrating disputes, building coalitions, providing real property valuation and serving as litigation counsel when needed.

In the area of construction and surety law, we negotiate agreements with architects, construction managers and contractors. We also provide services related to contract administration, assisting with claims, litigation and arbitration, bid process and contests, mechanic’s liens, surety claims, payment and performance bond claims, insurance, labor disputes and contract rights analyses.

Real Property Valuation Litigation

Strategic and Operational Efficiencies Counseling

Harris Beach attorneys and professional staff provide municipal clients with strategic and analytical advice aimed at achieving greater operational efficiencies. This includes formulating and implementing such measures as inter-municipal agreements, shared services and staff arrangements, early retirement programs, functional consolidations and the privatization of municipal services. Our attorneys and consulting professionals help municipalities improve organizational structure, communication and overall management with the goal of eliminating redundancies and cutting operational costs to deliver better government service to the public.

Non-Legal Professional Services through our Subsidiaries

Harris Beach recognizes that client solutions often involve more than just legal needs. Consequently, we offer a unique, comprehensive approach to meeting our clients’ pressing non-legal challenges through our affiliated consulting subsidiaries, HB Cornerstone LLC and HB Solutions LLC.

HB Cornerstone is a full-service owner representation consulting firm that helps organizations with real property development and management. The professionals in this group have considerable experience in owner representation, planning and design, facilities consulting and move management, which provides a complete solution for clients seeking to build, expand or move. HB Cornerstone takes responsibility for project communications, coordination, scheduling, budgets and overall management. By exclusively representing the owner, they are not restricted or conflicted by other construction roles, tasks or responsibilities. This helps to ensure that the clients’ best interests and the best interests of their projects are represented.

HB Solutions provides consulting services to public and private organizations in a number of disciplines. Their consultants have considerable experience helping municipalities and local agencies facilitate economic development projects. HB Solutions’ comprehensive approach helps clients efficiently conduct the strategic planning, economic analysis and community outreach necessary to ensure the successful execution of projects and multi-year economic development plans. Their consulting experience includes working on efficiency programs for planning and development offices, updating comprehensive plans, advising on staff assignments and reorganization for streamlining workload and holding down costs, and providing project management services related to development. Their consultants also advise on downtown revitalization projects, waterfront projects, and projects undertaken by LDCs and IDAs.

In the area of communications, HB Solutions can help municipalities and local agencies implement proactive and response plans to preserve their public image and instill community confidence. These services include strategic communications planning; crisis communications management, audit and planning; media training; and public forum training and preparation.

Team Leader(s)

Michael Curti

Michael V. Curti

Member
Justin Miller

Justin S. Miller

Member

Team

All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 30, 2023
Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO): New York State Municipal Police Training Council Issues Model Policy
The Extreme Risk Protection Order Model Policy provides guidance to county, town, city and village law enforcement agencies on NY’s ERPO sta...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 12, 2023
New York Governor Hochul Announces Aggressive, Statewide New Housing Strategy
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an ambitious, strategic plan to address New York’s statewide housing shortage....read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 9, 2023
FTC Takes Aim at Banning Non-Compete Clauses
The FTC released a proposed rule aimed at prohibiting employers from utilizing non-compete clauses in employment agreements....read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 5, 2023
New York Commission Announces New Training Requirement for Lobbyists and Clients of Lobbyists
NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (“CELG”) will mandate a new ethics training requirement for all registered lobbyists...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 December 28, 2022
Electronic Records Available? That May Mean No Charge
New legislation has been signed by Governor Hochul, with one measure addressing a change to New York’s Freedom of Information Law....read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 December 7, 2022
New York’s FAST NY Program to Provide $200 Million in Grants to Municipalities and Economic Development Agencies to Prepare and Develop Shovel-Ready Sites Statewide for Key Growth Industries
New York state to promote “shovel-readiness” to attract large employers, including high-tech manufacturing and interstate distribution and ...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 March 25, 2022
With Ferreira v. City of Binghamton, New York Court of Appeals Preserves Public Duty Rule
It has long been the rule in New York State that in order to hold a municipality responsible for injuries that arise from its performance of...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 March 18, 2022
Amendments to New York Workplace Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Laws Add to Employee Protections
Businesses likely recall the 2018 and 2019 updates to the New York Human Rights Law (“HRL”), the State’s primary workplace anti-harassment a...read more
All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 25, 2022
With Opt-Out Deadline Past, What’s Next for Municipalities Weighing Cannabis Retail?
December 31, 2021 was a critical date for municipalities weighing the decision to allow cannabis retail dispensaries and consumption sites o...read more

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2023 Best Lawyers Beast Law Firms - U.S. News and World Reports - Municipal Law-Tier 1. Buffalo,

Municipalities and Local Agencies

Industry Team

■ Profile

Harris Beach attorneys’ significant government experience, ranging from municipal corporation counsel to commissioners and executives at state regulatory agencies and authorities, provides us with a unique perspective for assisting New York state municipalities and local agencies. Through our statewide representation of municipalities and agencies of all sizes, our attorneys and consulting professionals have earned a strong reputation for providing creative solutions to their fiscal, operational and economic challenges.

Ensuring responsible and efficient governance, implementing effective policies, addressing financial goals and adhering to local, state and federal regulations are some of the challenges shared by all municipalities and local agencies. Harris Beach represents agencies, authorities, municipal corporations, municipal boards, industrial development agencies (IDAs), and local development corporations (LDCs) in a diverse array of legal, policy, regulatory and programmatic matters.

■ Services

Brownfield Redevelopment

Compliance and Oversight

The Public Authority Accountability Act, Procurement Lobbying Act, Public Employees Ethics Reform Act, Public Authorities Reform Act, Public Integrity Reform Act and the New York State Attorney General Code of Conduct are just some of the reform measures that have been put into place in recent years which have changed the landscape of ethics, lobbying and compliance. Public sector compliance systems should be aware of these reforms so that they remain compliant. Harris Beach counsels municipal, agency and authority clients on compliance and public oversight with specific guidance on organizational and operational issues, including governance, ethics, freedom of information law, open meetings law, procurements, property dispositions and compliance reporting requirements. Our attorneys assist with legislative formation, board configuration, policy development, program planning and implementation, financing matters, real property management and disposition, contracting, fiscal matters, bidding and procurement procedures, audit control and audit implementation.

Cybersecurity

To protect your data, your business interests and your reputation, you need robust protection that extends beyonf firewalls. Our cybersecurity team provides a full range of data privacy and cybersecurity services: compliance counseling and legal risk assessments, defense in litigation and investigations, advisement on state and federal regulations and rapid response should a breach occur. Our attorneys, information security and communications management professionals partner with you to reduce risk and give you data the defense it deserves.

Economic Development Incentives and Municipal Assistance for Organizations

Economic Development/Public Finance

Harris Beach attorneys are highly experienced in the administration and capture of business tax incentives. On a daily basis, we work on complex projects at the state and federal levels involving taxable and tax-exempt bond financing, Payment-in-Lieu-of-Tax (PILOT) Increment Financing, Tax Increment Financing, Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credit, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Empowerment Zone Incentives, Renewal Community Incentives and Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

We represent municipalities throughout New York state on a full range of issues. The attorneys engaged in the firm’s public finance practice have served as general obligation bond counsel to municipalities, school districts, special improvement districts and fire districts throughout New York state. We also counsel local and state financing authorities and IDAs on their economic development initiatives. In addition, the firm’s public finance attorneys have served as counsel to underwriters in relation to bond and note issues of municipalities, school districts and authorities. Harris Beach is listed as a recognized bond counsel firm in the “Municipal Bond Attorneys” section of The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace. Harris Beach has rendered opinions in thousands of transactions, involving in excess of $100 billion aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt obligations.

Our attorneys provide counsel on debt limitation, reserve requirements, issuance authority, disclosure requirements, rating agency concerns, qualifying investment candidates and other bond-related issues. Harris Beach also offers counsel on special district formation and financing for expanding municipal infrastructure needs.

Energy Law

Our Energy Industry Team has significant experience securing project funding, maximizing renewable and alternative energy incentive programs, and ensuring compliance with evolving state and federal energy regulations. We work with those who own, develop, purchase or sell energy, and we represent a diverse group of clients including municipalities, Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held businesses, public benefit corporations and not-for-profit organizations.

We also provide strategic advice related to public affairs, federal and state regulatory matters, general compliance, competitive energy markets and trading, securing regulatory approvals, negotiating contracts, and environmental permitting. Representative clients in the public sector include local governments, public benefit corporations, municipal distribution agencies, and LDCs and IDAs involved in the generation, transmission, purchase and sale of conventional and alternative energy. This work includes development, permitting, and financing matters involving both conventional and alternative energy production facilities throughout New York state, such as solar, ethanol, biodiesel, biogas and wind facilities.

Environmental Law

Harris Beach provides legal counsel to municipalities and public benefit corporations on a broad range of environmental law issues. Our attorneys advise clients on the responsibilities, exposures and liabilities that result from federal, state and local environmental legislation and regulations. We guide clients through environmental impact review processes such as the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the New York City Environmental Quality Review Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. We also handle regulatory issues relating to land use, hazardous substances and asbestos.

Harris Beach has a proven track record of helping New York state municipalities maximize Brownfield redevelopment opportunities and navigate their way through New York’s Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program and evolving Brownfield Cleanup Program. We work with municipalities to complete BOA planning work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to identify specific development opportunities. Regarding specific projects, we provide counsel with respect to the acquisition, disposition, remediation and financing of brownfield remediation and redevelopment projects. Our comprehensive approach to municipal brownfield planning and project implementation blends federal, state and local economic incentive programs and coordinates efforts for remediation and redevelopment to achieve community and stakeholder objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Grant Writing and Administration

Harris Beach provides comprehensive grant writing services that include planning, data and resource research, and proposal writing, packaging, submission and follow-up. Harris Beach offers these services to assist municipalities, local agencies and other applicants with grant proposals for a variety of funding purposes.

Harris Beach attorneys and professionals have wide-ranging experience with intergovernmental affairs, municipal privatization and grant administration on the federal, state and local levels. We administer grant and loan programs through the federal Economic Development Administration, the Empire State Development Corporation and its Restore New York Communities Initiative, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Governor’s Office for Small Cities and the Community Development Block Grant program. We also coordinate and administer grants through New York state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program and the Environmental Quality Bond Act.

Improving New York State Through Economic Development

Labor and Employment Law

With one of the largest and most active labor law practices in New York state, Harris Beach handles all aspects of labor and employment law and litigation for management, including collective bargaining, negotiations, union organizing, labor contract administration, employment discrimination, employee benefits, occupational health and safety, and personnel policies. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience with all types of discrimination, including age, gender, sexual harassment, national origin, race, religion and disability matters.

Our Labor and Employment Law Practice Group assisted one of the largest counties in New York state by negotiating nine labor agreements covering approximately 4,500 employees in various divisions of county government. The prior contracts had expired and the county was facing a projected budget deficit over the next two years of more than $100 million. Through an intensive negotiations process, our attorneys were able to assist the client in reducing health insurance costs and keeping wage increases at a modest rate to achieve a projected cumulative savings for the county of over $87 million over the life of the new contracts.

Land Use, Zoning and Development

Our attorneys have vast experience in the areas of land use, zoning and development, real property acquisition and financing, architectural and construction contracting, municipal law and leasing.

As zoning and development counsel, the firm is available to assist, as needed, in all phases of a project, including all aspects of site acquisitions (which can be done by negotiated purchase or government assisted condemnation), financing for the project (which may include conventional construction and permanent mortgage loans or lease financing), negotiation of agreements with architects, general contractors and/or construction managers, negotiation of leases and assistance in the local government approval processes, including zoning, subdivision and environmental approvals.

Municipal Law

Harris Beach provides a full range of legal services to municipalities and local agencies throughout New York state. Our attorneys assist these entities with legislative formation, board configuration, policy development, program planning and implementation, transactions, financing matters, real property management and disposition, fiscal matters, bidding and procurement procedures, audit control, audit implementation, labor and employment issues, as well as general litigation.

Harris Beach attorneys and professionals offer insight based on diverse backgrounds and years of experience working for and on behalf of municipalities and local agencies. Our team includes professionals who serve as or have served in the public sector as policy makers. This unique collection of experience provides Harris Beach clients with an unmatched perspective and counsel on the challenging matters facing municipal and local agency clients.

Municipal Litigation

Harris Beach attorneys have extensive litigation experience in federal and New York state courts and handle virtually any type of dispute. Our attorneys have represented municipalities and agencies in countless claims, including tort liability, municipal liability, administrative proceedings, SEQRA proceedings, Article 78 proceedings, §1983 civil rights matters and contractual matters.

New Markets Tax Credit

Real Estate and Project Management

Harris Beach represents clients in the acquisition, disposition, development, leasing and financing of property. This includes purchase and sale agreements, zoning and development approvals, architectural and construction contracting, joint ventures, financing packages, equity and syndications, and the formation of the appropriate entity structures to implement transactions. Our attorneys counsel clients on all aspects of a project, including commercial real estate, construction and surety law, and environmental law. We work to maximize the financial savings available to our clients through a blending of the New York State Environmental Restoration Program, Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, Brownfield Cleanup Program and other financial incentive programs.

We assist municipalities with exercising their condemnation powers governed by New York’s Eminent Domain Procedure Law. Harris Beach has broad experience in condemnation proceedings and coordinating public hearings, arbitrating disputes, building coalitions, providing real property valuation and serving as litigation counsel when needed.

In the area of construction and surety law, we negotiate agreements with architects, construction managers and contractors. We also provide services related to contract administration, assisting with claims, litigation and arbitration, bid process and contests, mechanic’s liens, surety claims, payment and performance bond claims, insurance, labor disputes and contract rights analyses.

Real Property Valuation Litigation

Strategic and Operational Efficiencies Counseling

Harris Beach attorneys and professional staff provide municipal clients with strategic and analytical advice aimed at achieving greater operational efficiencies. This includes formulating and implementing such measures as inter-municipal agreements, shared services and staff arrangements, early retirement programs, functional consolidations and the privatization of municipal services. Our attorneys and consulting professionals help municipalities improve organizational structure, communication and overall management with the goal of eliminating redundancies and cutting operational costs to deliver better government service to the public.

Non-Legal Professional Services through our Subsidiaries

Harris Beach recognizes that client solutions often involve more than just legal needs. Consequently, we offer a unique, comprehensive approach to meeting our clients’ pressing non-legal challenges through our affiliated consulting subsidiaries, HB Cornerstone LLC and HB Solutions LLC.

HB Cornerstone is a full-service owner representation consulting firm that helps organizations with real property development and management. The professionals in this group have considerable experience in owner representation, planning and design, facilities consulting and move management, which provides a complete solution for clients seeking to build, expand or move. HB Cornerstone takes responsibility for project communications, coordination, scheduling, budgets and overall management. By exclusively representing the owner, they are not restricted or conflicted by other construction roles, tasks or responsibilities. This helps to ensure that the clients’ best interests and the best interests of their projects are represented.

HB Solutions provides consulting services to public and private organizations in a number of disciplines. Their consultants have considerable experience helping municipalities and local agencies facilitate economic development projects. HB Solutions’ comprehensive approach helps clients efficiently conduct the strategic planning, economic analysis and community outreach necessary to ensure the successful execution of projects and multi-year economic development plans. Their consulting experience includes working on efficiency programs for planning and development offices, updating comprehensive plans, advising on staff assignments and reorganization for streamlining workload and holding down costs, and providing project management services related to development. Their consultants also advise on downtown revitalization projects, waterfront projects, and projects undertaken by LDCs and IDAs.

In the area of communications, HB Solutions can help municipalities and local agencies implement proactive and response plans to preserve their public image and instill community confidence. These services include strategic communications planning; crisis communications management, audit and planning; media training; and public forum training and preparation.

■ People

Team Leaders

Michael V. Curti

Member
(914) 298-3026
mcurti@harrisbeach.com

Justin S. Miller

Member
(518) 701-2710
jmiller@harrisbeach.com

Team

Christopher A. Andreucci

Member
(585) 419-8606
candreucci@harrisbeach.com

Jonathan A. Ballan

Member
(212) 912-3514
jballan@harrisbeach.com

Rachel C Baranello

Member
(585) 419-8769
rbaranello@harrisbeach.com

H. Todd Bullard

Member
(585) 419-8696
tbullard@harrisbeach.com

Darius P. Chafizadeh

Member
(914) 683-1212
dchafizadeh@harrisbeach.com

Keith M. Corbett

Member
(516) 880-8492
kcorbett@harrisbeach.com

Michael V. Curti

Member
(914) 298-3026
mcurti@harrisbeach.com

Mathew T. Dudley

Member
(914) 298-3019
mdudley@harrisbeach.com

Christopher H. Feldman

Member
(914) 298-3007
cfeldman@harrisbeach.com

Terrance P. Flynn

Member
(716) 200-5120
tflynn@harrisbeach.com

Russell E. Gaenzle

Member
(585) 419-8718
rgaenzle@harrisbeach.com

Roy R. Galewski

Member
(585) 419-8661
rgalewski@harrisbeach.com

Thomas J. Garry

Member
(516) 880-8489
tgarry@harrisbeach.com

Shawn M. Griffin

Member
(585) 419-8614
sgriffin@harrisbeach.com

Jared A. Kasschau

Member
(516) 880-8106
jkasschau@harrisbeach.com

Gene J. Kelly

Member
(518) 701-2740
GKelly@HarrisBeach.com

Dennis Lynch

Special Counsel
914 298-3060
dlynch@harrisbeach.com

Patrick M. Malgieri

Counsel
(914) 298-3000
pmalgieri@harrisbeach.com

Julie A. Marshall

Consultant
(585) 419-8653
jmarshall@harrisbeach.com

Jack M. Martins

Member
(516) 880-8399
jmartins@harrisbeach.com

Justin S. Miller

Member
(518) 701-2710
jmiller@harrisbeach.com

Adam M. Moss

Senior Counsel
(516) 880-8111
amoss@harrisbeach.com

Robert G. Murray

Member
(716) 200-5180
bmurray@harrisbeach.com

Omar Nasar

Member
(212) 313-5442
onasar@harrisbeach.com

Andrew J. Orenstein

Member
(212) 313-5473
aorenstein@harrisbeach.com

Frank C. Pavia

Member
(585) 419-8709
fpavia@harrisbeach.com

Robert J. Ryan

Member
(518) 701-2715
Rryan@harrisbeach.com

Philip G. Spellane

Member
(585) 419-8638
pspellane@harrisbeach.com

Joshua D. Steele

Member
(585) 419-8846
jsteele@harrisbeach.com

Stephanie Tanzi Barry

Associate
(516) 880-8376
SBarry@harrisbeach.com

Bradley M. Wanner

Member
(212) 912-3653
bwanner@harrisbeach.com

Harris Beach and its subsidiaries provide a full range of legal and professional services for clients across New York state, as well as nationally and internationally. Harris Beach is among the country’s top law firms as ranked by The National Law Journal and is among the BTI Elite law firms based on in-depth interviews of more than 600 corporate counsel at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Our clients include Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held companies, emerging businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals. Principal industries we represent include education, energy, financial, food and beverage, health care, insurance, manufacturing, medical and life sciences, real estate developers, and state and local governments and authorities.

Industry Teams
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets 
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Educational Institutions Higher Ed
Educational Institutions K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Health Care
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
USA Collegiate Sports
Veterinary Medicine

Practices
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Appellate
Business and Commercial Litigation
Collection Law
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate
Cybersecurity Protection and Response
Diversity Compliance
E-Discovery (e-infoSM)
Employee Benefits
Employment Litigation
Environmental Law
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Government Compliance and Investigations
Health Law
Immigration Law
Insurance Coverage
Intellectual Property Law
International Trade Law
Internet Law
Labor and Employment Law
Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
New Markets Tax Credit
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law
Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
Public Finance and Economic Development
Real Property Valuation Litigation
Residential Real Estate
Tax Law
White Collar Crime
Wills, Trusts and Estates

Consulting Services
HB Solutions LLC
Collegiate Sports Compliance
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Economic Development and Public Affairs
Educational Institution Assistance
EMRG® (E-Discovery Management Resources Group)
Energy
Health and Human Services
Human Resources
Information Technology
Marketing and Communication Services
Municipal and Local Agency Assistance

HB Cornerstone LLC
Owner Representation
Design Services
Facilities Consulting
Move Management

Caetra.io
CyMetric (Cybersecurity Regulation Compliance Software)

Offices throughout New York:

Albany
677 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
518-427-9700

Buffalo
726 Exchange Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
716-200-5050

Ithaca
119 East Seneca Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-6444

Long Island
333 Earle Ovington Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-880-8484

New York City
100 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
212-687-0100

Rochester
99 Garnsey Road
Pittsford, NY 14534
585-419-8800

Saratoga Springs
513 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-0551

Syracuse
333 West Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-423-7100

White Plains
445 Hamilton Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914-683-1200

Offices also in:

New Haven, CT
195 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-784-3159

Newark, NJ
One Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-848-1244

Washington, DC
800-685-1429

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2022 Harris Beach PLLC

Content current as of February 3, 2023 7:05 am
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