Top 8 Law Firms In Albany
By Jordan Patel | Published: 2025-03-16 | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms In Albany
Law firms provide legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses across various practice areas. Services range from litigation and dispute resolution to transactional work and regulatory compliance.
How We Evaluated
Firms were evaluated based on client reviews, online ratings, areas of specialization, reputation within the legal community, and location prominence. Consideration was given to firms with verifiable addresses and strong client feedback.
Rating Criteria
- → Client Satisfaction (Reviews/Ratings)
- → Range of Services/Specialization
- → Reputation & Experience
- → Reported Client Communication
The Best Law Firms In Albany
Tully Rinckey PLLC
Full-service firm with national reach, offering strong practices in federal employment law, military law, family law, and security clearance representation.
Target Audience
Federal employees, Military personnel, Individuals needing family law services, Security clearance holders
Service Offerings
Federal Employment Law
Represents federal employees in EEOC, MSPB, and other matters.
Military Law
Assists service members with various military legal issues.
Family & Matrimonial Law
Handles divorce, custody, and support cases.
Security Clearance Representation
Assists individuals in obtaining or retaining security clearances.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Common for family law, employment, and security clearance cases.
Flat Fee
May be available for certain defined services.
Retainer Fee
Typically required to begin representation.
Pros
- + Strong niche practices (federal employment, military law)
- + Full-service capabilities
- + Multiple office locations (nationally)
- + Experienced attorneys in specialized fields
Cons
- - May feel less locally focused than some Albany-centric firms
- - Reviews can vary across different practice areas/locations
Verdict
"A strong choice for clients with needs in specialized areas like federal employment, military law, or security clearances, while also offering broad family law services."
Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP
Largest law firm in the Capital Region, known for its strength in business, environmental, real estate, and government relations law.
Target Audience
Businesses (small to large), Developers, Municipalities, Organizations needing regulatory guidance
Service Offerings
Business & Corporate Law
Comprehensive services for businesses.
Environmental Law
Expertise in environmental regulation, permitting, and litigation.
Real Estate Development
Handles complex development projects, zoning, and land use.
Government Relations
Lobbying and navigating state and local government.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Standard billing method for corporate, environmental, and governmental work.
Project-Based Fees
May be negotiated for specific large projects.
Retainer Fee
Common for ongoing advisory roles.
Pros
- + Largest firm in the region with extensive resources
- + Leading expertise in specific complex areas like environmental law
- + Strong government connections and knowledge
- + Highly respected among peers
Cons
- - Primarily business and government-focused
- - Less emphasis on individual client services like personal injury or family law
- - Potentially higher cost structure
Verdict
"The go-to firm in Albany for complex business, environmental, real estate development, and government relations matters, offering unparalleled depth in these areas."
Cooper Erving & Savage LLP
One of Albany's oldest law firms, offering a wide array of legal services including litigation, real estate, business law, and trusts & estates.
Target Audience
Individuals, Businesses, Families needing estate planning, Real estate clients
Service Offerings
Litigation
Handles civil disputes across various areas.
Real Estate Law
Commercial and residential transactions, zoning, and land use.
Trusts & Estates
Estate planning, administration, and probate.
Business Law
Counseling for businesses on various legal matters.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Common across most practice areas.
Flat Fee
May apply to estate planning or real estate closings.
Retainer Fee
Often required for litigation or ongoing business counsel.
Pros
- + Extremely long history and established reputation
- + Broad range of legal services
- + Experienced attorneys in multiple fields
- + Convenient downtown Albany location
Cons
- - Fewer readily available online reviews compared to some competitors
- - Traditional firm structure
Verdict
"A venerable Albany institution providing comprehensive legal services, particularly strong in real estate, trusts & estates, and general litigation."
E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP
Historic and highly respected firm with deep expertise in personal injury, criminal defense, and commercial litigation, serving the greater Capital Region.
Target Audience
Personal injury victims, Criminal defendants, Businesses involved in litigation, Medical malpractice claimants
Service Offerings
Personal Injury Litigation
Handles complex injury and wrongful death cases.
Criminal Defense
Represents clients in state and federal courts.
Commercial Litigation
Resolves business disputes through negotiation and trial.
Medical Malpractice
Specialized representation for victims of medical negligence.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.1 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Standard for personal injury and medical malpractice.
Hourly Rate
Typically used for defense and commercial litigation.
Retainer Fee
Often required for ongoing representation.
Pros
- + Exceptional long-standing reputation
- + Highly experienced trial attorneys
- + Strong track record in major cases
- + Expertise in complex litigation
Cons
- - Primary office is in Troy, though serves Albany
- - May have higher fee structures due to reputation and expertise
Verdict
"A powerhouse firm for complex litigation, particularly personal injury and criminal defense, known for its formidable courtroom presence and history."
Rakesh Joshi Law, PLLC
Highly reviewed solo practitioner specializing in criminal defense and traffic violations, known for achieving favorable outcomes like charge reductions.
Target Audience
Individuals facing criminal charges, Drivers with traffic tickets, Clients needing DWI/DUI defense
Service Offerings
Criminal Defense
Representation for misdemeanors and felonies.
- Drug offenses
- Assault
- Theft
Traffic Ticket Defense
Handles speeding tickets, moving violations to minimize points and insurance impact.
DWI/DUI Defense
Defense for driving while intoxicated or impaired charges.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Flat Fee
Often used for traffic ticket and standard criminal defense matters.
Hourly Rate
May apply for more complex criminal cases.
Free Consultation
Provides initial case evaluations.
Pros
- + Outstanding client reviews (4.8/5.0 with many reviews)
- + Specializes effectively in criminal/traffic defense
- + Known for responsiveness and achieving results
- + Personalized service from a solo practitioner
Cons
- - Narrower scope of practice compared to full-service firms
Verdict
"A top choice for individuals needing focused representation in criminal defense and traffic matters, praised for effectiveness and client communication."
O'Connell and Aronowitz
Long-established, full-service law firm offering a broad range of legal services with a strong reputation in various practice areas.
Target Audience
Individuals, Businesses, Healthcare providers, Non-profits
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Represents plaintiffs in injury cases.
Criminal Defense
Handles various criminal matters.
Business & Corporate Law
Advises businesses on formation, transactions, and litigation.
Health Law
Specialized services for healthcare industry clients.
Real Estate Law
Residential and commercial real estate transactions and disputes.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Common for business, real estate, and some litigation.
Contingency Fee
Available for personal injury cases.
Flat Fee
May be used for specific services like real estate closings.
Pros
- + Very experienced firm with a long history
- + Wide range of practice areas
- + Strong client reviews (4.6/5.0)
- + Respected in the legal community
Cons
- - As a larger, established firm, costs may be higher for some services
Verdict
"An excellent full-service firm with deep roots in Albany, suitable for complex legal needs across multiple disciplines."
Harding Mazzotti, LLP
Large, well-known firm heavily focused on personal injury law, including car accidents and Social Security Disability, with multiple locations.
Target Audience
Accident victims, Individuals seeking disability benefits, General personal injury claimants
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Handles a wide range of injury claims, particularly auto accidents.
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and falls
Social Security Disability
Assists clients in obtaining SSDI and SSI benefits.
Workers' Compensation
Represents injured workers in compensation claims.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Standard for personal injury and disability cases ('No fee unless successful').
Free Consultation
Offers initial consultations at no charge.
Pros
- + Extensive experience in personal injury
- + High volume of positive reviews
- + Multiple convenient locations
- + Strong brand recognition
Cons
- - As a large firm, some clients report varied communication experiences
- - Primarily focused on injury and disability law
Verdict
"A leading personal injury firm in the region, ideal for accident victims and those needing disability assistance, backed by significant resources."
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Dreyer Boyajian LLP
Highly rated firm known for personal injury, criminal defense, and complex civil litigation, praised for professionalism and compassion.
Target Audience
Individuals requiring personal injury representation, Clients needing criminal defense, Parties involved in civil litigation
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Representation for accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death.
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Medical negligence
Criminal Defense
Defense against state and federal criminal charges.
Civil Litigation
Handling complex disputes between individuals or organizations.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.2 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Common for personal injury cases.
Hourly Rate
Applied for various litigation and defense matters.
Consultation Fee
Initial consultations may be free or require a fee.
Pros
- + Exceptional client ratings (4.9/5.0)
- + Strong focus on personal injury and litigation
- + Noted for compassion and professionalism
Cons
- - May focus primarily on litigation-based cases
Verdict
"A top choice for personal injury and complex litigation matters, known for excellent client service and strong results."
Final Recommendation
Albany offers a diverse range of law firms, from large full-service providers with long histories to specialized boutiques focusing on specific needs like personal injury or criminal defense. Firms like Dreyer Boyajian LLP and O'Connell and Aronowitz stand out for high client satisfaction and broad expertise, while Harding Mazzotti is a leader in personal injury, and Rakesh Joshi Law excels in traffic/criminal defense.