main content

Harris Beach PLLC Discover True Engagement image

People

About
  • About Harris Beach
  • Offices
  • Inclusion and Diversity
  • Community and Pro Bono
  • Lateral Opportunities
Careers
  • Careers at Harris Beach
  • Lateral Opportunities

Contact Us

Subsidiaries
  • HB Cornerstone
  • HB Solutions
  • Caetra.io
Industries
Legal Practices
Resources
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Education, K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Energy Industry Team
Sectors
Residential Electrical Submetering
Renewable Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Food and Beverage Industry Team
Sectors
Nutritional Supplements
Health Care
Health Care Industry Team
Sectors
Long-Term Care
Higher Education
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Medical and Life Sciences Industry Team
Sectors
Long-Term Care
Nutritional Supplements
Pharmacy Law
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Real Estate Developers Industry Team
Sectors
Retail Real Estate in New York State
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Drones
Veterinary Medicine
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Appellate
  • Business and Commercial Litigation
  • Collections
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Corporate
  • Cybersecurity Protection and Response
  • Diversity Compliance
  • E-Discovery (e-info℠)
  • Employee Benefits
  • Environmental
  • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
  • Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
  • Foreclosure
  • Government Compliance and Investigations
  • Immigration
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Intellectual Property
  • International Trade
  • Internet Commerce
  • Labor and Employment
  • Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
  • Political Law
  • Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
  • Public Finance and Economic Development
  • Residential Real Estate
  • Tax
  • Wills, Trusts and Estates
  • Insights
  • News
  • Events
  • Covid-19 Resources
William Flynn
D: (518) 701-2711  
wflynn@harrisbeach.com
Linkedin
Twitter

William M. Flynn

  Member

Industry Team Leader -  
Energy, Telecommunications and Media
(518) 701-2711
  wflynn@harrisbeach.com
Linkedin
Twitter
“Clients rely on our knowledge of the New York state regulatory and governmental process to help craft solutions to their problems in the most efficient manner.”
  • Public Service Commission Approves Sunrise Wind New York Cable Project
  • Reinforcing the Importance of Clean Energy Transmission in New York
  • New Transmission Upgrades Provide Developers Opportunity to Capitalize on Renewable Energy
Profile
Representative Matters
Professional and Civic
Areas of Experience
Admissions
Education
Location
Publications and Events

Bill advises businesses and organizations on energy related matters, strategic planning initiatives regarding economic development, state and federal regulatory affairs, and policy decisions. He leads the Harris Beach Energy Industry Team and advises clients on local, state and federal governmental affairs. Notably, Bill and his team are representing the renewables developer who filed the first ever solar-only Article 10 project at the New York State Public Service Commission, as well as developers of offshore wind capabilities tied to New York’s nation-leading efforts regarding climate change.

Bill is known for his experience with regulatory policies related to electricity, gas, water and telecommunications services. He served as Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission (NYS PSC) from February 2003 to December 2006. Prior to serving as Chairman of the NYS PSC, he was President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) where he also served as vice president, treasurer, and secretary to the board of NYSERDA from 1999 to 2003. As NYS PSC Chairman, Bill also served on NYSERDA’s Board of Directors and as Chair of the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment. He is a former board member of the New York State Environmental Board, the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, and former co-chairman of the New York Telecommunications Reliability Advisory Council. He was appointed by the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as vice-chairman of the federal Joint Board on Economic Dispatch for the Northeast Region. He also served as a member of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners Electricity Committee and chaired the Telecommunications Legislative Task Force.

Bill served as First Deputy Attorney General, Chief of Staff, and Special Counsel in the New York State Attorney General’s Office from 1995 to 1998 to New York State Attorney General Dennis C. Vacco. In the early 1990's, he was an Assistant United States Attorney and executive assistant in the Western District of New York from 1992 to 1995. Before joining the U.S. Department of Justice, Bill served as an executive assistant to then U.S. Congressman Bill Paxon. He began his legal career as an assistant Erie County prosecutor. Prior to law school, Mr. Flynn worked as an executive assistant to two successive New York State Assembly Minority Leaders, Clarence D. Rappleyea, Jr. and James L. Emery.

Professional and Civic

  • Bethlehem Basketball Club, former board member
  • Board of Trustees of Le Moyne College, former member
  • Capital District YMCA, Board of Advisors

Recognition

  • Chambers USA, Band 2, New York – Energy: State Regulatory & Wholesale Electric Market, 2019 to present
  • Best Lawyers, Albany Energy Law Lawyer of the Year, 2013, 2017 and 2019
  • Best Lawyers, Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law, 2013 to present
  • Super Lawyers, Energy and Natural Resources Law, 2008-2009; 2011-2021

Legal Practices

Government Compliance and Investigations

Industry Teams

Energy
Telecommunications and Media

Sectors

Renewable Energy

Admissions

New York

U.S. District Court, New York - Northern District

U.S. District Court, New York - Western District

University of Dayton School of Law

JD 
1987

LeMoyne College

BA 
1980

Location

Albany, NY Office
Insights
February 22, 2023

New Transmission Upgrades Provide Developers Opportunity to Capitalize on Renewable Energy

The NYS Public Service Commission authorized electric utilities to develop transmission upgrades to integrate renewable energy projects
September 2, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act to Energize Renewables and Energy Transition Projects

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”), signed by President Biden into law on August 16, promises to further invigorate an already
March 4, 2021

New York Finalizes Regulations for Renewable Energy Project Review

Earlier this week, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting finalized and enacted the new regulations required by the New York Accelerated Rene
September 23, 2020

Building New York’s Renewable Energy Future

New York State is leading the nation in the pursuit of a renewable energy future. The state is poised to eliminate the use of fossil fuels o
April 2, 2020

New York Takes Action to Expedite Renewable Energy Siting and Development

On April 1, 2020, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the Legislature agreed to adopt the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act
News
January 17, 2023

Reinforcing the Importance of Clean Energy Transmission in New York

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul reaffirmed New York’s commitment to reducing or eliminating emissions as required under the CLCPA.
November 18, 2022

Public Service Commission Approves Sunrise Wind New York Cable Project

As planned, the Sunrise Wind Farm, an offshore wind energy generation facility to be located in federal waters approximately 30 miles off th
December 20, 2021

Partner Bill Flynn Named to City & State Power 100 List for Energy and Environment

Partner and Energy Industry Team leader Bill Flynn of our Capital Region offices is being recognized for his career of accomplishments in th
October 15, 2021

72 Attorneys from Harris Beach Recognized in 2021 Edition of Super Lawyers

Partners, senior counsel and associates from Harris Beach PLLC offices across New York have been named to the 2021 edition of Super Lawyers,
February 16, 2021

Harris Beach Energy Industry Team Expands in Response to New York’s Green Energy Future

Green energy is taking center stage in New York state, poised to quickly become one of the state’s most important industries with potential
September 21, 2020

Harris Beach Expands its Energy Industry Team as New York Further Embraces Renewables

Attorney Sean P. Mix has joined Harris Beach PLLC in the firm’s statewide Energy Industry Team. Sean is joining the Energy Industry Team in
August 20, 2020

81 Harris Beach Lawyers Recognized in 2021 Best Lawyers List; 10 Named Lawyers of the Year

Attorneys from Harris Beach PLLC are named as Best Lawyers, Lawyers of the Year and “Ones to Watch” in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers
November 12, 2019

79 Attorneys from Harris Beach Named to 2019 Super Lawyers List

A total of 79 Harris Beach PLLC attorneys have been named to the 2019 edition of Super Lawyers, a peer-based rating service that recognizes
August 15, 2018

63 Harris Beach Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers® List

A total of 63 attorneys from Harris Beach PLLC have made the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, the oldest guide of its kind in th
Events
January 17, 2023

Harris Beach Sponsoring the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Annual Winter Policy Summit

May 27, 2022

Bill Flynn Moderating Panel and Harris Beach Sponsoring The Business Council of New York State 2022 Renewable Energy Conference

Energy industry team leader Bill Flynn will also be moderating a panel on June 22 titled, Charting the Course toward 2050 – Moderated Discus
May 17, 2022

Harris Beach Sponsoring 36th Annual IPPNY Spring Conference

Harris Beach will sponsor the 36th Annual IPPNY Spring Conference on May 17 – May 18. Bill Flynn, leader of the Harris Beach energy ind
April 11, 2022

Harris Beach Sponsoring 2022 Electric Power Supply Association Competitive Power Summit

Harris Beach will sponsor the 2022 Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) Competitive Power Summit, being held on March 29 from 7:30 AM –
April 8, 2022

Harris Beach to Sponsor National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Annual Winter Policy Summit

Harris Beach will again sponsor the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Annual Winter Policy Summit, being held
April 8, 2022

Bill Flynn to Moderate Business Council of New York State Webinar on Blueprint for a Low Carbon Economy – Key Issues for Business

Bill Flynn, Leader of the Energy industry team at Harris Beach, will moderate a webinar hosted by the Business Council of New York State on
November 19, 2021

Harris Beach Sponsoring 36th Annual Independent Power Producers of New York Fall 2021 Virtual Conference

Harris Beach will sponsor the 36th Annual Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY) Fall 2021 Conference, which is being held virtuall
November 17, 2021

Harris Beach Sponsoring and Bill Flynn Moderating Panel Discussion at Alliance for Clean Energy New York Annual Conference

Harris Beach will sponsor the 15th Alliance for Clean Energy New York Meeting & Fall Conference.
November 15, 2021

Bill Flynn to Moderate Panel at The Business Council of New York State 2021 Annual Environment Conference

Bill Flynn will moderate a panel on, “Meeting the New Administration,” at The Business Council of New York State 2021 Annual Environment Con
April 12, 2021

Bill Flynn NYSERDA Webinar Recording – Learning from the Experts: Article VII Permitting Process for Offshore Wind

Bill Flynn presented the webinar titled, “Learning from the Experts: Article VII Permitting Process for Offshore Wind”, in partnership with
September 3, 2020

Bill Flynn to be Panelist on HomeServe Webinar: How are Utilities, Regulators and Customers Planning for a Changing Environment?

Bill Flynn will be one of three panelists participating in the HomeServe webinar: How are Utilities, Regulators and Customers Planning for a
February 12, 2020

Harris Beach Sponsoring NARUC Winter Policy Summit

Harris Beach is a sponsor of the 2020 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Winter Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.
May 29, 2019

Harris Beach Sponsoring 24th Annual Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners

The Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners will feature a wide variety of energy topics over the three day event. Har
May 1, 2019

Harris Beach Sponsoring Reception at NYISO Meeting

We are proud to sponsor a reception for our colleagues in energy at NYISO.
May 1, 2019

Harris Beach Sponsoring IPPNY Spring Conference

Harris Beach will sponsor IPPNY’s 33rd Annual Spring Conference & Showcase. IPPNY’s mission is to assist their member companies in becoming
March 7, 2019

Bill Flynn to Moderate Discussion at IPPNY Spring Conference May 8

Bill Flynn is moderating an Article X panel discussion at IPPNY’s Spring Conference in Albany on May 8. The discussion is titled,
External Publications
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 February 22, 2023
New Transmission Upgrades Provide Developers Opportunity to Capitalize on Renewable Energy
The NYS Public Service Commission authorized electric utilities to develop transmission upgrades to integrate renewable energy projects...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 September 2, 2022
Inflation Reduction Act to Energize Renewables and Energy Transition Projects
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”), signed by President Biden into law on August 16, promises to further invigorate an already ...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 March 4, 2021
New York Finalizes Regulations for Renewable Energy Project Review
Earlier this week, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting finalized and enacted the new regulations required by the New York Accelerated Rene...read more
All Insights, Audio |
 September 23, 2020
Building New York’s Renewable Energy Future
New York State is leading the nation in the pursuit of a renewable energy future. The state is poised to eliminate the use of fossil fuels o...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 April 2, 2020
New York Takes Action to Expedite Renewable Energy Siting and Development
On April 1, 2020, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the Legislature agreed to adopt the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act...read more
Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law, Discover True Engagement

Contact us

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Site Map

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2023 Harris Beach PLLC

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Instagram
Make a Payment
MAke a Payment
TRUSTe
Harris Beach PLLC Discover True Engagement image

William M. Flynn

wflynn@harrisbeach.com
D: (518) 701-2711
Albany, NY Office
William Flynn
https://www.harrisbeach.com/people/flynn-william-m/

■ Areas of Expertise

Legal Practices

Government Compliance and Investigations Legal Practice

Industry Teams

Energy Industry Team
Telecommunications and Media Industry Team

Sectors

Renewable Energy

■ Profile

Bill advises businesses and organizations on energy related matters, strategic planning initiatives regarding economic development, state and federal regulatory affairs, and policy decisions. He leads the Harris Beach Energy Industry Team and advises clients on local, state and federal governmental affairs. Notably, Bill and his team are representing the renewables developer who filed the first ever solar-only Article 10 project at the New York State Public Service Commission, as well as developers of offshore wind capabilities tied to New York’s nation-leading efforts regarding climate change.

Bill is known for his experience with regulatory policies related to electricity, gas, water and telecommunications services. He served as Chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission (NYS PSC) from February 2003 to December 2006. Prior to serving as Chairman of the NYS PSC, he was President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) where he also served as vice president, treasurer, and secretary to the board of NYSERDA from 1999 to 2003. As NYS PSC Chairman, Bill also served on NYSERDA’s Board of Directors and as Chair of the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment. He is a former board member of the New York State Environmental Board, the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, and former co-chairman of the New York Telecommunications Reliability Advisory Council. He was appointed by the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as vice-chairman of the federal Joint Board on Economic Dispatch for the Northeast Region. He also served as a member of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners Electricity Committee and chaired the Telecommunications Legislative Task Force.

Bill served as First Deputy Attorney General, Chief of Staff, and Special Counsel in the New York State Attorney General’s Office from 1995 to 1998 to New York State Attorney General Dennis C. Vacco. In the early 1990's, he was an Assistant United States Attorney and executive assistant in the Western District of New York from 1992 to 1995. Before joining the U.S. Department of Justice, Bill served as an executive assistant to then U.S. Congressman Bill Paxon. He began his legal career as an assistant Erie County prosecutor. Prior to law school, Mr. Flynn worked as an executive assistant to two successive New York State Assembly Minority Leaders, Clarence D. Rappleyea, Jr. and James L. Emery.

■ Professional and Civic

  • Bethlehem Basketball Club, former board member
  • Board of Trustees of Le Moyne College, former member
  • Capital District YMCA, Board of Advisors

■ Admissions

  • Chambers USA, Band 2, New York – Energy: State Regulatory & Wholesale Electric Market, 2019 to present
  • Best Lawyers, Albany Energy Law Lawyer of the Year, 2013, 2017 and 2019
  • Best Lawyers, Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law, 2013 to present
  • Super Lawyers, Energy and Natural Resources Law, 2008-2009; 2011-2021

■ Education

University of Dayton School of Law
 ,JD
 ,1987
LeMoyne College
 ,BA
 ,1980

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 March 22, 2023 6:07 am
Cookies
This website uses cookies as specified in our privacy policy. You consent to the use of cookies by clicking accept or by using our site. We do not sell your personal information.
.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage cookies

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT