Christopher R. Lyons - Of Counsel
A seasoned trial attorney for more than 20 years, Christopher Lyons has successfully litigated cases in jurisdictions throughout the U.S., with a breadth of experience which includes a concentration in personal injury litigation, criminal law and disabilities law. He has served as a member of our team here since 2012. Mr. Lyons has tried several cases to verdict in jurisdictions throughout the area, including Saratoga, Schenectady, Albany, Warren and Clinton County Supreme Courts.
Mr. Lyons graduated from Hobart College in 1981, where he later served as Assistant Dean of the College. He earned his J.D. from Albany Law School in 1988, after which he served as Law Clerk to NYS Supreme Court, Appellate Div. Sr. Associate Judge T. Paul Kane and thereafter, Presiding Judge A. Franklin Mahoney. At Albany Law, Mr. Lyons was Associate Editor of the Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Board. He has been honored with several awards from the Law School and recently served on its Board of Trustees.
Mr. Lyons previously was of counsel to Ryan and Smallacombe, PLLC and thereafter a principal in the established law firm of Towne Ryan & Partners, P.C.
His experience includes service with the General Counsel of New York State's Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and as National Counsel for CNA Insurance's Human Services Program. As a result of his extensive litigation background in Human Services, Chris has been asked to give numerous key note speeches, presentations and training seminars across the country to various human services organizations, associations and governmental agencies, focusing on recognizing and implementing unique defense strategies for reducing claims against service providers. Mr. Lyons has authored several articles on an individual’s Right to Risk, provider liability and the applicable standards of care in the Human Services Industry. He has also served as a frequent CLE Speaker for the New York State Bar Association and Albany Law School on Civil Procedure and Tort Litigation.
EDUCATION
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY)
B.A. Philosophy, 1981
Druid Society (Most Outstanding Seniors)
Albany Law School (Albany, NY)
J.D. 1988
Associate Editor, Albany Law Review
Member, Moot Court Board
Finalist, Gabrielli Moot Court Competition
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS, AWARDS and COMMUNITY SERVICE
Albany Law School Board of Trustees (former)
National Order of Barristers
New York State Bar Association
- Trial Lawyers section
- Committee on Issues Affecting People with Disabilities
Defense Research Institute
NY State Third Department Committee on Character and Fitness
Albany Law School Outstanding Young Alumnus
Albany Law School Alumni Council (Past President)
AIM Services, Inc. Board of Director (Emeritus)
HGS Assisted Living Facility, Board of Directors (former)
SAGE Colleges, Former Adjunct Professor Legal Studies
Empire State College, Former Adjunct Professor Legal Studies
Frequent CLE Speaker on Civil Procedure and Tort Litigation
Authored several articles on litigation strategies and risk management in Human Services
BAR ADMISSIONS
New York 1989
Massachusetts 1989
Federal District Court, Northern District of NY 1991
Second Circuit Court of Appeals 2008
Various State and Federal courts, pro hac vice.