A partner of our firm, Mr. Harris focuses his practice on the intersection of law, business and government. He has significant experience working with clients on environmental, energy and government affairs matters. Mr. Harris has also represented clients before state and local agencies in connection with the regulatory review, permitting, financing and development of projects such as residential apartment complexes, solid waste and recycling facilities, asphalt plants, mines, golf courses, office buildings, casinos, shopping centers and electric transmission and generation projects.
Mr. Harris has counseled clients in connection with large hazardous waste remediation and violations of the state’s pesticide regulations, negotiated consent orders with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and assisted with applying to DEC for eligibility in New York’s Brownfield Tax Credit Program.
He also works with clients in connection with proposed regulations and agency guidelines. He has advised insurers, computer companies, real estate developers, utilities and energy companies on pending legislation and rule making in the State of New York.
Mr. Harris counsels clients on developing bids and proposals for government contracts, and in negotiating and drafting final contract provisions. His legislative and procurement experience includes advising clients with respect to lobbying law, state finance law and ethics issues. A significant part of his practice focuses on counseling clients contracting with or seeking financing or financial assistance from various agencies and authorities in the State of New York, including the MTA, the Office of General Services, the Empire State Development Corporation, the New York State Thruway Authority, the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
He has provided advice and counsel to clients on various energy projects and proceedings, including permitting fossil fuel and renewable power generating facilities, permitting transmission cable projects, selling and purchasing regulated assets, and developing strategies for deploying sources of alternative energy such as fuel cells, wind and solar generation.
With a strong background in public finance, Mr. Harris has represented school districts, municipalities, industrial development agencies and other tax-exempt organizations as borrower’s counsel and bond counsel on numerous tax-exempt transactions. He has represented underwriters, trustees and letter of credit banks on taxable and tax-exempt financings, including general obligation, revenue bond, certificate of participation and lease purchase financings. Mr. Harris has also negotiated numerous payment in lieu of tax agreements.
A 1989 graduate of Amherst College with a B.A. in economics, Mr. Harris received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1992, where he was on the law review and graduated cum laude.
Professional & Community Activities
Mr. Harris serves on the Board of Directors of the Capitalize Albany Corporation, the Center for Economic Growth, and is a former member of the Board of the Albany Convention Center Authority.
