Robert J. Ryan

Bob provides comprehensive legal services focusing on various aspects of state and local economic development incentives, tax issues, and corporate law. Located in Albany, New York, and part of the Harris Beach Murtha team, Bob assists clients with a broad range of needs, including quasi-governmental entities like industrial development agencies, local development corporations, and public authorities.

In his role, Bob serves as general counsel to several public authorities and not-for-profit organizations, working closely with commercial developers to access economic development and tax incentives. Notably, he advised on pioneering solar projects related to Article 10, enhancing their economic viability through strategic real property tax planning. Bob has cultivated proficiency in corporate governance, financing, leasing, regulatory compliance, and real estate development.

Before his current role at Harris Beach Murtha, Bob was assistant counsel to Governor George E. Pataki, where he advised on significant economic development initiatives and contributed to the drafting and negotiation of key legislative bills, such as the Empire Zones Reauthorization. Additionally, as general counsel to the New York State Department of Economic Development, he provided strategic advice to the commissioner on statewide economic initiatives and engaged with business and community stakeholders.

Bob began his career in New York state government in 1997, gaining experience in regulatory reform. Before his legal career, he worked as a financial analyst and student loan program coordinator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and held a position as an equity syndicate associate with First Albany Corporation.