Biography

Education

Albany Law School of Union University, J.D., 1996.

 

State University of New York at Albany, B.A., cum laude, 1990.

James S. Walsh

Counsel
Government & Regulatory

Albany

T:518.431.6717
F:518.431.6767
E:jwalsh@manatt.com

Profile

Mr. Walsh's practice focuses on government relations and regulatory compliance matters in the areas of environmental regulation, government contracting, energy, labor, economic development, consumer protection, higher education and lobbying compliance.

Mr. Walsh is a former Senior Assistant Counsel to the Governor of New York State and was responsible for advising the Governor and Senior Staff on legal issues and legislation related to the environment, energy, local government, procurement, and consumer protection. Among many accomplishments, Mr. Walsh helped negotiate the landmark 2003 State Superfund/Brownfield law and laws establishing fiscal oversight boards for the City of Buffalo and Erie County.

Prior to serving as a counsel to the Governor, Mr. Walsh served as the Legislative Counsel to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, advising the Commissioner and Senior Staff on legislative matters and developing and negotiating legislation related to air and water permitting, power plant sitting, land use, waste management, mining and natural gas well permits, and pesticide application requirements, among many other environmental issues.   

Mr. Walsh began his career as an Assistant Counsel to the New York State Senate Majority Leader representing the Senate Majority Conference in negotiations with the Governor's Office, Executive Branch agencies and the State Assembly on legislation related to environmental conservation, economic development, consumer protection, and agriculture.

Publications

"New York State Releases Draft Climate Action Plan for Public Comment," Environmental Law Newsletter, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, November 30, 2010.

 "Active Year for Insurance Legislation in New York," Insurance Law Newsletter, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, July 23, 2008.

Memberships & Activities

Adjunct Professor, Government Law, Albany Law School of Union University.

Admitted to practice in New York.

Member, New York State Bar Association.

Vice President, Board of Directors for St. Catherine's Center for Children.

Speaking Engagements

"Labor Issues in Latino Housing," New York State Latino Housing Summit, Albany, NY, March 23, 2012.

"New York State's Prevailing Wage Law," New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials 2011 Annual Meeting and Training School, May 25, 2011.

"New York State's Prevailing Wage Requirement," New York State Association of Towns 2011 Annual Meeting and Training School, February 21, 2011.

"Lobbying 101: New York State Lobbying Law," New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, November 12, 2009.

Bar Admissions

New York