FIRM BACKGROUND
Education
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JD, Albany Law School, summa cum laude, 2001
MPA, Public Finance Concentration, SUNY Albany Rockefeller School, 2001
BS, Agricultural Economics, Cornell University, 1997
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Professional Experience
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Mr. Halpin began his legal career in 2001 with Harris Beach PLLC in the firm’s Rochester office as an associate in the Commercial Real Estate Development and Finance Practice Group, where he represented developers, lenders, public and municipal entities and not-for-profits in all manner of commercial real estate purchase, sale, financing, leasing and development matters.
In 2005 Mr. Halpin relocated with his family to Schuyler County. From 2005 through 2007 he served as of-counsel to Harris Beach, working out of the firm’s Ithaca office, and also maintained an independent solo practice. During this time he maintained his commercial real estate practice, and also broadened his practice to include municipal law, agricultural financing, business formation and transactional work and estate planning and administration. In 2008 Mr. Halpin was elected as a partner to Harris Beach.
In January 2009 Mr. Halpin left the firm to serve as counsel for one of his clients, a major upstate New York hotel developer. He continues to serve in such capacity, and represents numerous businesses and developers, serves as attorney or special counsel to several municipalities, and represents individuals and families in a range of matters. In August 2009 he also took over the practice of his father James E. Halpin, Esq., who retired after nearly forty of practice.
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Representative Matters
Represented developer in $13 million acquisition of hotel and conference center in Buffalo, New York.
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Successfully defended municipality in Article 78 proceeding challenging changes to local zoning ordinance.
Represented family in the acquisition of restaurant business and related commercial property.
Represented closely-held business in the acquisition of restaurant and bar facility.
Represented municipality in connection with acquisition and redevelopment of local landmark historic property.
Represented developer in $6 million-plus acquisition of hotel and banquet facility in mixed real estate, asset and partnership purchase transaction.
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Represented family-owned corporation in $1 million-plus sale of commercial site.
Professional and Community Affiliations
Member of the New York State and Schuyler County Bar Associations; past member of the Tompkins County and Monroe County Bar Associations; past member of Monroe County Bar Association’s Real Estate Council; past CLE presenter for Monroe County Bar Association.
Member of the Board of Directors and Past Chairman of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.
Member and treasurer of the Schuyler County Republican Committee.
Member of the Schuyler County Historical Society and past presenter to New York Statemunicipal historians group.
Member and president of the Odessa-Montour School Board.
Family
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Mr. Halpin and his wife, Sadye, have three children: Hailie, Lillian, and James.