October 3, 2019—Tom Lynch, consultant, has joined Empire Advocates, LLC, a non-legal consulting services subsidiary of Barclay Damon LLP, where he advises on government relations, public relations, and lobbying for NYS clients in the energy, utility, and telecommunications industries. He primarily focuses on helping clients navigate the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act and other energy policy issues related to battery storage, siting, and reducing greenhouse gases. Lynch is based in the Albany office.
Lynch previously served as the director of government affairs at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for 12 years, where he was a member of the executive team and managed the intergovernmental affairs and legislative program. In that position, he cultivated relationships with state agencies and authorities such as the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), the Governor’s office, and others.
Prior to NYSERDA, Lynch spent 15 years working in the NYS Legislature, including serving as chief of staff and legislative director for former assemblyman Paul Tonko and serving on the Bill Drafting Commission. While working for Tonko, he helped enact several significant pieces of legislation, including Article 10, Power for Jobs, the Energy Consumer Protection Act, the NY College Savings Program, and Timothy’s Law.
Barclay Damon attorneys team across offices and practices to provide customized, targeted solutions grounded in industry knowledge and a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. With approximately 300 attorneys, Barclay Damon is a leading regional law firm that operates from a strategic platform of offices located in the Northeastern United States and Toronto.