ALBANY, NY – Nov. 14, 2019 – Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has welcomed former Interim Chief Counsel to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Zackary D. Knaub as a Shareholder in its Environmental, Energy, and Governmental Law & Policy practices, working from the firm’s Albany office. Previously, Knaub served as First Assistant Counsel to Governor Cuomo, and as Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Energy and the Environment. Before the Governor’s Office, he served as the Regional Attorney for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s lower Hudson River Valley region, where he handled significant regulatory and enforcement matters, including in the areas of project review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, brownfields, solid and hazardous waste, petroleum spills, and wetlands.
“Adding Zackary to our roster signals our continued commitment to bring before clients highly experienced attorneys who are well-versed in navigating government agencies, programs, and policies,” said Steven C. Russo, Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s New York Environmental Practice.
“Zackary is well-respected for his legal prowess and intimate understanding of the complexities of government,” said Harold N. Iselin, Managing Shareholder of the firm's Albany office and Co-Chair of its Government Law and Policy Practice. “Attracting an attorney of Zackary’s caliber, who joined from the Governor’s office, speaks volumes about Greenberg Traurig’s reputation and we look forward to the immediate impact he will have on clients and the firm.”
Prior to joining the firm, Knaub advised the Governor and his administration on all legal issues related to executive actions, policies, and legislative initiatives, and coordinated the legal affairs and operations of over 100 State Executive Agencies, State Authorities, Public Benefit Corporations, and boards, and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Governor’s Counsel.
Knaub’s experience in his prior roles included handling several signature matters in the environmental and energy sectors. A small sampling of these follows:
- Overseeing legal formulation of New York State’s Clean Energy Standard, Zero Emissions Credits, State Energy Plan, and plans for renewable energy resources procurement.
- Negotiating $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017.
- Advising on rapid response to significant drinking water contamination by emerging contaminants throughout New York.
- Serving as State’s lead counsel on repowering of major power generating plant after Superstorm Sandy.
- Representing independent power producer in citizen suits challenging siting of a proposed power plant
- Advising on State Environmental Quality Review Act and permitting matters.
Knaub also managed the development and negotiation of major legislation and gubernatorial initiatives. He supervised negotiations of all legislation in the Governor’s annual $175 Billion state budget and managed outside counsel in litigation. His experience also includes advising press and operations staff on crisis management strategies and public messaging of complex legal and policy initiatives.
“After serving in Governor Cuomo’s administration, I am thrilled to join Greenberg Traurig’s highly regarded team in Albany. Its reputation for excellence in legal services, and unmatched platform were just of two of the many reasons for my move here,” Knaub said.
Knaub’s experience includes having defended and prosecuted environmental and commercial cases in state and federal courts, and before administrative tribunals, arbitration panels, and mediators for a wide range of businesses in areas of law including federal and state environmental laws, intellectual property, Federal Acquisitions Regulations, employment law and policy, insurance coverage, and environmental risk management.
Knaub received his J.D., cum laude, from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was the Articles Editor of the Cardozo Women’s Law Journal. He received his M.A. in Spanish Literature from Columbia University, where he was Assistant Editor of Revista Hispanica Moderna, and earned his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Iowa. He is admitted to practice in New York, and before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2100 attorneys in 41 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
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