Christopher A. Cernik, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig's Albany office, focuses his practice on transportation, energy, telecommunications, technology procurement and economic development. He represented major industrial energy consumers across upstate New York during the deregulation of the electricity industry and the development of special industrial power programs (including the initial "Power for Jobs" Program) aimed at surmounting the barriers to global competitiveness caused by New York's historically high energy costs. Chris also heads the Albany office's Technology Procurement Practice, consulting with technology companies in the development of focused strategies for providing IT support to State and local governments agencies.
Previously, Chris was a senior counsel in the New York State Assembly, serving two Assembly speakers as parliamentarian and special counsel. He has received statewide recognition for his work in the development of groundbreaking initiatives in traffic safety -- work that continues today through representation of several law enforcement coalitions.
In 1979, Chris served as counsel to the Constitutional Convention of the Emerging Republic of Palau (Micronesia) and was awarded an Honorary Citizenship for his work there. He also has served as a town justice and an adjunct professor of Political Science at Union College in Schenectady.
Areas of Concentration
· Governmental affairs
· Technology and telecommunications
· Transportation
Professional & Community Involvement
· Member, New York State Bar Association
· Town Justice, Princetown, New York, 1988-1995
· Adjunct Assistant Professor, Union College, 1984-1991
· New York Supreme Court, Fourth Judicial District Nominee, 1988
· Board, Opera Saratoga