John J. Privitera, Agriculture Attorney in Albany, New York
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Agriculture, Appellate, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior CounselatWhiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
Albany, NY
Practicing agriculture in Albany since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
John J. Privitera is a senior counsel based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Appellate, and Environmental. John has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Albany, NY
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Agriculture · Appellate · Environmental
- Handles Agriculture, Appellate, and Environmental matters from Albany, NY.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John J. Privitera: John J. Privitera is a senior counsel based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Appellate, and Environmental. John has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Albany
John concentrates on agriculture, appellate, environmental, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Agriculture
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Appellate
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Environmental
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Zoning
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Agriculture cases in Albany, New York
John takes agriculture matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Appellate cases in Albany, New York
John takes appellate matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Albany, New York
John takes environmental matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Albany, New York
John takes zoning matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John J. Privitera, agriculture attorney serving Albany
John J. Privitera is a senior counsel based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Appellate, and Environmental. John has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Albany, New York and takes on agriculture matters across the region.
John Privitera primarily represents clients in assessing risk, achieving compliance, solving problems, defending enforcement actions, developing projects and resolving challenging environmental issues. He is active in all areas of environmental law including land use, environmental litigation, enforcement, citizen suits, regulatory affairs, compliance matters, hazardous wastes and natural resource damages. Mr. Privitera also provides advice and counsel regarding the environmental aspects of business transactions and energy matters.
Background/Education
Mr. Privitera received his J.D. and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Representative Accomplishments
•At the culmination of a 20-year effort, resolved a Natural Resource Damage Claim under CERCLA on behalf of a recognized Indian Tribe that included compensation for cultural losses, resulting in a substantial settlement that was the first of its kind that has become a model federal agreement.
•Successfully litigated against the Adirondack Park Agency on behalf of a farmer in the Champlain Valley, establishing a key decision that protects the constitutional and statutory right to farm throughout the state, and particularly inside the Adirondack Park.
•Represented numerous landowners and open space institutions in protecting land through voluntary conservation easements and acquisitions, including the establishment of a recreational rail trail and several forest preserve acquisitions.
•Negotiated and implemented the first brownfield agreement in New York State that protects the voluntary participant from all off-site pollution liability at a listed hazardous waste site.
•Successfully litigated a dispute over a period of years that ultimately establishes municipal jurisdiction over any development of lands under water on private lakes.
Professional/Community
•New York State Bar Association Environmental Law Section, Member 1990-present, Executive Committee 1998-2001.
•New York State Bar Association Real Property Law Section, Current co-chair, Climate Law Committee, Member 1990-present, Executive Committee, 1994-present, Chair of Section 2002-2003.
•New York State Bar Association House of Delegates, Delegate 2003-2012
•Capital Culture, Inc., President 2007-2015
•Capital Repertory Theatre Trustee 2000-2016, General Counsel 2003-2016, President 2006-2009
•Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Founding board member, 1992-2000, Member, Advisory Council 2009-2018.
Publications
•“Title To, Rights In, and Regulation of Land Under Water in New York.” Real Property Law Section New York State Bar Association Meetings Boston, Mass., July 15, 2016.
•'CERCLA Natural Resource Damage Restoration Plans as Evidence', United States Department of Interior Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program Annual Meeting. Phoenix, Arizona, May 11, 2016.
•'Environmental Update: First Energy, CERCLA Liability and Bankruptcy Issues', Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association, November 19, 2015.
•“Sovereign Claims for Lost Cultural Uses of Natural Resources Under the Federal Superfund Law”, Keynote Speaker, New York State Bar Association Real Property Law Section Annual Meeting, July 2013.
•'Symposium on the Legal and Regulatory Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill,' Albany Law School, October 2010.
•'New York State's Administrative Compulsory Integration Process with Respect to Oil and Gas Rights, New York State Bar Association, July 2009.
•CERCLA's Natural Resource Damage Provision,' National Environmental Enforcement Journal (March 1992).
•'Where's POPA? It is Time to Enact New York's Property Owner Protection Act,' New York State Bar Journal (July 1990).
•'Toward a Remedy for International Extradition by Fraud,' 2 Yale Law and Policy Review 49 (1983).
Professional Recognition
Named Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” in Albany, New York by Best Lawyers in America
Consistently named a “Super Lawyer” 2007-2021 for Environmental Litigation.
How John handles agriculture matters
John Privitera primarily represents clients in assessing risk, achieving compliance, solving problems, defending enforcement actions, developing projects and resolving challenging environmental issues. He is active in all areas of environmental law including land use, environmental litigation, enforcement, citizen suits, regulatory affairs, compliance matters, hazardous wastes and natural…
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for agriculture, appellate, and environmental matters in Albany and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
State University of New York at Buffalo
J.D. · 1977
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. Member · 1974
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1980 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1979 · ACTIVE
New York
1978 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. Member in State University of New York at Buffalo.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. Member in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Affiliations Mr
membership
Privitera is admitted to practice in New York State and the District of Columbia and their federal courts
membership
Locations
John J. Privitera's office in Albany
John's primary office is at 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1900, Albany, NY, 12260. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1900
Albany, NY 12260
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John J. Privitera — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing agriculture attorneys in Albany.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John J. Privitera claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John J. Privitera — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new agriculture attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a agriculture attorney in Albany, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many agriculture matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in agriculture practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every agriculture matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many agriculture practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John J. Privitera
How much does it cost to hire John for a agriculture case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some agriculture attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do agriculture cases in New York typically take?
Simple agriculture matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Albany?
John is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new agriculture clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Agriculture attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
John handles agriculture matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified agriculture attorneys in that community.
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