William M. "Bill" Flynn

William M. "Bill" Flynn


Harris Beach PLLC

Recognized since 2013

Albany, New York

Practice Areas

Energy Law

Energy Regulatory Law

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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.

Location
  • 677 Broadway, Suite 1101
    Albany, NY 12207
Education
  • University of Dayton, J.D., graduated 1992
Bar Admissions
  • New York, New York State Bar
Affiliations
  • Bethlehem Basketball Club - Board Member
  • Board of Trustees of Le Moyne College - Former Member
  • Capital District YMCA - Member, Board of Trustees

Harris Beach PLLC
Headquarters: Pittsford, New York

55 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

17 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

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® 2024 for work in:
  • Energy Law
  • Energy Regulatory Law
Awards:
  • New York Super Lawyers
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Utilities Law

Publications

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