Our Firm in The News | Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin

Michael Ginsberg Named to National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in New York for the Second Time
Published on Friday, February 7, 2025

Troy, NY – Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC proudly announces that Michael Ginsberg has once again been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New York by The National Trial Lawyers (NTL). This prestigious honor is awarded to a select group of attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal expertise, outstanding trial results, and unwavering dedication to the legal profession.

This marks the second time Mr. Ginsberg has been honored with this distinction, reinforcing his reputation as a premier trial attorney in civil litigation. With decades of experience advocating for clients in high-stakes cases, Mr. Ginsberg continues to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence.

Recognizing Excellence in Trial Advocacy

The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 is an invitation-only organization that acknowledges outstanding trial attorneys across the country. Membership is extended exclusively to attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications in criminal defense or civil plaintiff law. The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of an attorney’s professional achievements, peer nominations, and demonstrated success in the courtroom.

A Commitment to Client Success

As a key member of Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC, Mr. Ginsberg has played a vital role in securing favorable outcomes for his clients, offering strategic legal counsel, and delivering results-driven advocacy. His unwavering commitment to justice and his exceptional legal acumen have solidified his standing as one of the leading trial attorneys in New York.

“We are extremely proud of Michael’s continued recognition by The National Trial Lawyers,” said a spokesperson for Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC. “His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to his clients make him a true leader in the legal community.”

About The National Trial Lawyers

The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the legal profession. Comprising the top 100 trial lawyers in each state, the organization provides an esteemed platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional development within the legal industry.

For more information on The National Trial Lawyers, visit http://thenationaltriallawyers.org/.

About Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC

With a legacy spanning over 200 years, Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC is one of the most respected law firms in Upstate New York. The firm specializes in litigation, corporate law, personal injury, estate planning, and business law, providing top-tier legal services to individuals, businesses, and institutions.

To learn more about Michael Ginsberg and the firm’s legal services, visit https://psgglaw.com/.

Pattison firm attorneys find success in two Federal appeals court cases against the city of Troy and its officers
Published on Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Attorneys Michael Ginsberg and Rhiannon Gifford were successful in obtaining the dismissal of two separate lawsuits against the city of Troy and some of its officers. The civil rights lawsuits were brought by two men in separate cases in which two children died.

With respect to one of the lawsuits, Attorney Michael Ginsberg was quoted as saying “We cannot expect police officers to have a better understanding of the law than the judges who enforce those laws.”

Congratulations to the attorneys involved and to the rest of the Pattison team who worked so tirelessly on these cases.

The article, published on January 21, 2025, in the Times Union can be found here.

Rhiannon I. Gifford named a Rising Star by Upstate New York Super Lawers
Published on Thursday, October 17, 2024

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC is proud to announce that Rhiannon I. Gifford has been recognized as a Rising Star by the 2024 Upstate New York Super Lawyers!

Fun fact - only 2.5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Congratulations, Rhiannon!

Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq. recognized as a 2024 Super Lawyer
Published on Thursday, October 17, 2024

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC is excited to announce that attorney Michael E. Ginsberg has been named again to the 2024 Upstate New York Super Lawyers!

Super Lawyers was founded in 1991 and provides a patented selection process (U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,564) created and led by experienced legal professionals. Attorney selectees are nominated in every state and Washington DC.

Fun fact - only 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers.

Congratulations, Michael!

Pattison Firm Hires 2 Law Clerks from Albany Law School
Published on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Pattison Firm is excited to introduce you to its summer law clerks from Albany Law School!

Miranda Galarus is enrolled in the accelerated, two-year program at Albany Law School and is pursuing a concentration in Civil Litigation. She has competed and placed in the Donna Jo Morse Negotiations Competition and is also a member of the Albany Law School Journal of Science and Technology.

Prior to law school, she worked for a medical malpractice firm dealing with all kinds of cases. Initially drawn to law by a desire to advocate for justice, her experience with medical malpractice cases exposed her to the complexities and challenges of healthcare litigation. Miranda hopes to further her education and training in areas such as health law, intellectual property rights related to medical innovations, and cybersecurity in healthcare. Her goal is to continue advocating for fairness and accountability in healthcare through the strategic use of legal expertise and technological advancements.

Miranda also enjoys playing for the Albany Law School rugby team and hiking on the weekends.

Gabriel Jimenez-Negron is a rising 3L at Albany Law School. During his time at Albany Law, Gabe has demonstrated his strong legal research, writing advocacy, and client counseling skills by participating in the prestigious Donna Jo Morse Client Counseling Competition and Domenick L. Gabrielli Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Competition, where he was a Semi-Finalist and a Quarter-Finalist respectively.

Additionally, Gabe has been involved with Albany Law School’s Science and Technology Journal, where he’s been exposed to cutting-edge scholarship at the intersection of law, science, and technology. As a member, Gabe has gained valuable experience researching, writing, and editing academic articles on emerging legal issues in the scientific and tech fields.

Beyond competitions and law school journal involvement, Gabe has also authored multiple case summaries for the New York State Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section.

Welcome to the team Miranda and Gabe!

PSG&G partners with the State University of New York (SUNY) to issue Joint Guidance on Title IX Regulations
Published on Wednesday, July 10, 2024

The attorneys at Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin are proud to have co-authored several sections of the SUNY SCI 2024 Joint Guidance on Title IX Regulations to Assist Institutions, which can be found here. This amendment to the Title IX regulations is the second since May of 2020 when SUNY commenced its first Joint Guidance initiative to assist institutions with understanding the regulations and their effect.

For additional information, or to speak to one of our Title IX attorneys please contact the firm at 518-266-1000 or visit our website at www.psgglaw.com.

Pattison Firm successful in obtaining pre-deposition summary judgment for several Troy Police Officers
Published on Friday, June 7, 2024

The Pattison Firm was successful in obtaining pre-deposition summary judgment for several Troy Police Officers sued in two different cases commenced by the same pro se litigant. The two lawsuits concerned two independent arrests of the plaintiff stemming from alleged domestic disputes in which the prosecution was unable to proceed without witness cooperation. After dismissal of the criminal charges, the Plaintiff claimed that he was the subject of false arrests and malicious prosecutions by the Defendant Police Officers. The Judge in the Northern District of New York Court who was presiding over both cases granted the Defendants’ motions for summary judgment holding that the Defendant Police Officers had probable cause to arrest the Plaintiff based upon the alleged victim’s statements and, in one of the actions, that even if probable cause did not exist, they were entitled to qualified immunity because the Police Officers’ actions were objectively reasonable under the circumstances.

Pattison Sampson successful in Briggs v. Bass, et al
Published on Thursday, April 11, 2024

Pattison Sampson was successful in obtaining summary judgment for three City of Troy Police Officers resulting in the dismissal of a complaint alleging violations of civil rights. The Court held that the three officers had probable cause to arrest the Plaintiff and that they acted appropriately under the circumstances when responding to an alleged domestic dispute.

Read more on the case here.

PSGG Attorney Featured in the Albany Business Review
Published on Thursday, November 16, 2023

Michael Ginsberg, Esq. recently sat down with the Albany Business Review to answer questions about teleworking on university and college campuses. Mr. Ginsberg has been representing colleges and universities for nearly two decades and has served as both Interim General Counsel and External and Chief Litigation Counsel to RPI in the past.

Mr. Ginsberg has experience handling cases involving education law, Title IX law, ADA claims, and HR policies as well as discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

Click here to read the feature article which appeared in the Albany Business Review on November 10, 2023.

Michael Ginsberg, Esq. is recognized as one of this year's Super Lawyers!
Published on Friday, September 1, 2023

Congratulations goes out to Michael Ginsberg, Esq. for his inclusion in this year's Super Lawyers list! Super Lawyers is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation. Well done, Michael!

Years of scientific research stored on campus of RPI destroyed by local cleaning company
Published on Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Michael Ginsberg, Esq. and the firm of Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin have been featured in both national and international media outlets with regard to a recent lawsuit seeking to recover for the destruction of 20+ years of groundbreaking solar energy-based research. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is suing its cleaning contractor for causing an estimated $1 Million in damage after a janitor interrupted the power to a freezer storing scientific research in a lab on the Troy, New York campus.

Multiple national media outlets have picked up the story. Click on any of the links below for more information on the lawsuit

VIDEO: News Channel 13

VIDEO: CBS6Albany

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin saves a multimillion-dollar riverfront development project in Troy
Published on Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Rhiannon I. Gifford, Esq. and Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq. of Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin saved a multimillion-dollar riverfront development project in Troy NY when they were able to defeat a challenge to its rezoning.

“Supreme Court agreed with our position and found that the project had been properly reviewed by the City”, said Gifford.

Petitioner challenged the City Council’s issuance of a negative declaration pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its decision to rezone the property. The Pattison firm attorneys proved that a full and comprehensive review was conducted, and the zoning was appropriate.

Click here to read the decision.

Troy law firm successful in excessive force defense case
Published on Friday, February 10, 2023

Rhiannon I. Gifford, Esq. a litigation attorney with Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, successfully secured a verdict clearing four Troy Police officers of excessive force. The officers were cleared of claims asserting use of excessive force in a trial that wrapped up on February 8, 2023 in Syracuse.

Jury Verdict

PSGG Participates in the Rensselaer Runs United 5k Run/Walk on Sunday, October 23, 2022
Published on Tuesday, October 25, 2022

The Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin law firm was excited to be a sponsor of the Rensselaer Runs United 5k Run/Walk on Sunday, October 23, 2022. The partnership between the United Way and RPI helped raise funds for United Way GCR’s Community Care Fund, which provides immediate support by addressing the community's most urgent needs including access to food and supplies, reliable and safe housing, and health care and mental health services. Many thanks to everyone who participated on the Pattison team including Halie, Finn, Marlene, Sarah, and our four-legged friends Juno and Dakota!

The Pattison Firm gives back to the community with free clothing giveaway
Published on Wednesday, August 31, 2022

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, the law firm of Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, in partnership with Standard Manufacturing, hosted a free clothing giveaway for community residents in the parking lot of St. Anthony’s Church in Troy. Almost 4000 garments were distributed to community members in need and the balance of items were donated to the Schenectady Mission. It was a fantastic event and both the Firm and Standard Manufacturing are proud to have been able to give back to the community.

Michael Ginsberg, Esq. weighs in on proposed changes to Title IX regulations
Published on Monday, August 15, 2022

Michael Ginsberg, Esq. was interviewed for this article on recently proposed changes to the Title IX Regulations and how they are expected to further protect women.

Read more here.

Municipalities are wise to hire the Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin team to defend them against excessive force and personal injury claims
Published on Wednesday, August 3, 2022

The Pattison firm achieves great success for municipal defense clients.

The team at Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin has a long history of successfully defending municipalities and their law enforcement officers. We understand how difficult it is for law enforcement officers in today’s challenging environment. Good officers are under constant attack and scrutiny from groups seeking to advance their own agendas and capitalize on the current anti-law enforcement sentiment. As a result, they and their municipalities are subject to baseless lawsuits that need the attention of skilled and experienced representation.

Despite that anti-law enforcement climate, we have won a multitude of excessive force cases and our team has saved many careers and millions of dollars in potential damages against municipalities.

The Pattison firm has a proven history of successfully defending excessive force, Fourth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, and other constitutionally and state law based claims. We can provide legal counsel and representation in:

Municipal defense
Excessive force defense
Personal injury defense
Administrative investigation

Managing Partner Michael E. Ginsberg has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and a 2021 Lawyer of Distinction by The National Trial Lawyers and has successfully defended against dozens of claims of this nature.

Some of those cases include:

- Theodore Relf and Shelly Relf v. City of Troy, N.Y.; Troy Police Department: The plaintiffs sued the city and its police officers alleging civil rights and excessive force violations resulting from a K-9 bite and sought more than $1 million in damages. After a week-long trial, the jury found in favor of the city and the officers.

- John M. Larkins v. City of Troy, N.Y.; City of Troy Police Officers: The plaintiff brought suit alleging constitutional and civil rights violations. The case went to trial verdict and was dismissed in favor of the defendants.

- Meyers v. City of Troy, N.Y.: The plaintiff trespassed on the roof of an abandoned building owned by the City of Troy and fell through a skylight. She sought millions of dollars in compensation for a permanent injury. The matter was resolved upon favorable terms after years of litigation.

- Hellwig v. Saratoga County Board of Managers et al: We were successful in defending this claim made by Hellwig, a former Saratoga County administrator, alleging negligence, slander, libel, defamation, and infliction of emotional distress following his termination.

- Lamont Lee v. City of Troy, N.Y.: The firm defended four Troy police officers against claims of excessive force, failure to intervene, and assault and battery. While the plaintiff sought $3 million in damages, the jury found that the officers acting reasonably at all times under the circumstances and returned a verdict in favor of the officers.

- Michael Price, et al v. City of Troy, N.Y. et al: Plaintiffs alleged violations of their constitutional rights in connection with an emergency warrantless police entry into a building while chasing an active shooter. The case went to trial and all claims were dismissed by a jury.

- Your Place LLC v. City of Troy, N.Y. et al: Plaintiff brought a $30 million lawsuit alleging the city, its police officers, and code officers violated plaintiff’s rights under both the U.S. and New York Constitutions. A trial victory was achieved on behalf of the city and the officers, and was affirmed by the Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department.

- City of Troy, N.Y. v. 1776 6th Avenue, LLC: This plaintiff’s breach of contract matter related to the city’s tenancy at its interim city hall location at 1776 6th Ave. It involved issues related to breach of contract, landlord tenant, and municipal code. We were successful at trial and collected on the city’s judgment.

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin Hires Two Summer Law Clerks
Published on Friday, July 1, 2022

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC has added two new summer law clerks, Lindsay Carr and Michael Pitcher, to the firm headquartered in Troy.

A student at Albany Law School, Carr has joined Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin as an intern following her second year of law school. In this role she will conduct legal research, prepare bench memos, verify citations and more.

A graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, she holds a bachelor of arts in international relations and has experience working in the New York State Supreme Court. At Albany Law School, Carr serves as a lead article editor for the Journal of Science and Technology and is a representative for the Criminal Law Society.

Pitcher is also a student at Albany Law School who has joined the firm following his second year of law school. As an intern law clerk, Pitcher will be responsible for legal research, proofreading judge’s orders and opinions, verifying citations and more.

Pitcher is a graduate of Weber State University and holds a bachelor of science in political science. At Albany Law School, he serves on the Journal of Science and Technology as the managing editor for production, research and writing. He also serves as an executive board member for the Health Law Society.

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC was recently highlighted in "The Chronicles of Higher Education"
Published on Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s victory in three students’ lawsuit over the COVID vaccine mandate sets a precedent for colleges across the state. Click here to read more.

Michael Ginsberg recognized as an alum of Albany Business Review's Forty under 40
Published on Monday, May 16, 2022

The firm’s Managing Partner Michael Ginsberg was recently recognized as an alum of the Albany Business Review’s Forty under 40 in the May edition of their monthly newsletter. The annual Forty under 40 list recognizes 40 capital region individuals comprised of leaders in various industries across the region. Michael was a member of the class of 2005. You can see his feature here.

The National Trial Lawyers Announces Michael Ginsberg as One of Its Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York!
Published on Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The National Trial Lawyers is pleased to announce that Michael Ginsberg of Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC has been selected for inclusion into its Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field. Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only and is limited to the top 100 attorneys in each state or region who have demonstrated excellence and have achieved outstanding results in their careers in either civil plaintiff or criminal defense law.

The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization comprised of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional qualifications in criminal defense or civil plaintiff law. The National Trial Lawyers provides accreditation to these distinguished attorneys, and provides essential legal news, information, and continuing education to trial lawyers across the United States.

With the selection of Michael Ginsberg by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, he has shown that he exemplifies superior qualifications, leadership skills, and trial results as a trial lawyer. The selection process for this elite honor is based on a multi-phase process which includes peer nominations combined with third party research. As The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an essential source of networking and information for trial attorneys throughout the nation, the final result of the selection process is a credible and comprehensive list of the most outstanding trial lawyers chosen to represent their state or region.

Title IX - Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin – New Q&A
Published on Monday, July 26, 2021

On July 20, 2021 the US Education Department, Office of Civil rights released a new Q & A (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/202107-qa-titleix.pdf) providing further guidance on interpretation of the Regulations implemented under the Trump Administration. The same signals an upcoming modification, if not a complete overhaul of the current Regs.

Title IX: What You Need to Know
Published on Monday, November 25, 2019

CLICK HERE FOR OUR PDF ABOUT TITLE IX

(Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 Et. Seq.)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. One of the major functions of Title IX is to prohibit sexual misconduct (including rape and assault) and sexual harassment in schools and universities. Title IX applies to all students, faculty and staff. An overview can be found on the Department of Justice website at this link, and on the US Education Department website here.

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC has represented and guided families as well as educational institutions and programs across the Capital District of New York in Title IX matters for more than two decades.

PATTISON SAMPSON’S 200TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!
Published on Monday, November 25, 2013

The Firm held its 200th anniversary party. It was a great success and a good time was had by all!!

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