William M. "Bill" Flynn

William M. "Bill" Flynn

Albany, NY recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013
Harris Beach Murtha

105 Best Lawyers awards

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Awarded Practice Areas

Energy Law Energy Regulatory Law

Biography

Bill advises businesses and organizations on energy related matters, strategic planning initiatives regarding economic development, state and federal regulatory affairs, and policy decisions. He also advises clients on local, state and federal governmental affairs.

Bill is noted for his experience in regulatory policies and legislation related to electricity, gas, water, cable television, 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. 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 and the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment. 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 on the 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.

Harris Beach Murtha

105 Best Lawyers awards

Harris Beach Murtha logo

Overview

  • University of Dayton, J.D., graduated 1992

  • New York, New York State Bar

  • Bethlehem Basketball Club - Board Member
  • Board of Trustees of Le Moyne College - Former Member
  • Capital District YMCA - Member, Board of Trustees
  • New York, New York State Bar
  • Bethlehem Basketball Club - Board Member
  • Board of Trustees of Le Moyne College - Former Member
  • Capital District YMCA - Member, Board of Trustees
  • University of Dayton, J.D., graduated 1992

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Energy Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Energy Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Energy Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2013 - Energy Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Energy Law, Albany (2021)
  • Energy Law, Albany (2019)
  • Energy Law, Albany (2017)
  • Energy Law, Albany (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Energy Law
  • Energy Regulatory Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Utilities Law
Awards:
  • New York Super Lawyers

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