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Christopher A. Cernik focuses his practice on helping a wide range of clients navigate New York State Government. Chris’s clients range from some of the largest technology and telecommunications companies in the world to privately-held start-ups and not-for-profit entities. While the largest share of his practice is focused on the State Legislative Process, Chris also advises clients on a wide array of regulatory matters with particular emphasis on technology, telecommunications, transportation, economic development, energy and the State’s archaic and arcane alcoholic beverage control laws. Chris serves as the Albany office’s point person on technology procurement and New York State Liquor Authority laws and regulations.

Prior to entering the private sector, Chris served two New York State Assembly Speakers as Senior Counsel and Parliamentarian. He received statewide recognition for his public service in the development of groundbreaking initiatives in traffic safety, and that work continues today through representation of several law enforcement coalitions.

Concentrations

  • Technology & telecommunications
  • Transportation and highway safety
  • New York State Liquor Laws
  • Energy
  • Music
  • State economic development programs and siting
  • Legislative law and parliamentary procedure

Capabilities

Experience

  • Town Justice, Princetown, New York, 1987-1995
  • Senior Counsel and Parliamentarian, New York State Assembly, 1976-1991
  • Counsel to the Constitutional Convention of Palau, 1979

Recognition & Leadership

  • Team Member, Best Lawyers in America, “Top Listed Government Relations,” 2018
  • Member of award-winning Meltones – “Law Rocks” NYC: 2014 - 2017
  • Team Member, a U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Government Relations Law Firm of the Year,” 2014
  • Honorary Citizen, Republic of Palau
  • Elected to the New York State Blues Hall of Fame
  • Board of Directors, Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation, 2023
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, New York State Bar Association
  • Member, Business Council of New York State
  • Board Member, Opera Saratoga
  • Member, The Recording Academy (“The Grammys”)
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science, Union College, 1984-1991
  • Nominee, New York State Supreme Court, 1988

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., Albany Law School, 1976
  • B.A., Political Science, cum laude, Union College, 1973
Admissions
  • New York

Related Capabilities

Government Law & Policy Transportation Entertainment, Media & Sports Food, Beverage & Agribusiness