Michael C. Barnas, Esq.
Education

 

J.D., 1978, Fordham University School Of Law, New York, New York

 

B.A., 1974, Columbia College of Columbia University in the City of New York
(English and Comparative Literature)

 

Pratt Institute School of Architecture, Brooklyn, New York

 

Licenses and Affiliations

 

Licensed Attorney and Counsellor at Law, State of New York

 

Member, New York State Bar Association

Business Law Section

International Section

 

Experience

 

2016 – present         The Michael Barnas Law Firm, PLLC

 Albany, New York

 Member

 

2013 – 2016              Couch White, L.L.P.

Albany, New York

Of Counsel

 

1981 – 2012             General Electric Company

Schenectady, New York

                       2003 - 2012      Senior Counsel – Renewables

   General Counsel - GE Wind Energy

                       1999 - 2003      Counsel - Commercial Operations

                       1989 - 1999      Counsel - Africa, India, Middle East

   Counsel - Transactions

   Counsel - International Power Generation Sales

                       1988 - 1989      Attorney, Apparatus Service Business Department

North Bergen, New Jersey and Paramus, New Jersey

1981 - 1988      Manager - Employee Relations

  Specialist - Employee Relations

 

1978 - 1981               General Felt Industries, Inc.

Saddle Brook, New Jersey

                       Assistant to the Vice President - Industrial Relations

 

Publications

 

Contributor, “Recent Developments in Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Industries,” Section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law, American Bar Association (2010 - 2015)

 

"The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing in the Wind: Wind Power -- the Renewable Energy,” Proceedings of the Annual Institute of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, Vol. 50 (2004)

 

Presentations

 

Speaker, “U.S. v. UNIDROIT v. CISG Contracts" and “Drafting Best Practices to Ensure Enforceability.” segments of “Drafting and Negotiating Business Contracts,” a National Business Institute Seminar; Albany, New York, October 2015

 

Panelist, “From Idea to Innovative Partnership — How to Prepare for Successful Results and Establish the Right Model,” Annual Meeting of the Licensing Executives Society; San Diego, California, October 2011

 

“Renewable Portfolio Standards”, a segment of “State Incentives For Renewable Energy,” a EUCI, Inc. webinar; July 2010

 

“Prosperous Projects: From Negotiation to Completion Without Disputes”, a segment of “Minimising Contractual Risks in Construction Projects,” a Marcus Evans Seminar; London, England, March 2008

 

Panelist, Tech Valley Energy Forum, New Energy New York; Albany, New York, March 2007

 

“Building Win/Win Wind (Or, What Goes Around, Comes Around),” Canadian Wind Energy Association; Toronto, Ontario, October 2005

 

“The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing in the Wind: Wind Power -- the Renewable Energy,” Annual Institute of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation; Aspen, Colorado, June 2004

 

Community Invovement

 

2014 - Present         Member, Steering Committee, Tech Valley Global Business Network,

Colonie, New York

 

2012 - Present         Director, Musicians of Ma'alwyck, Inc., Schenectady, New York

Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, (2013 – Present)

 

2005 - 2013              Trustee, Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, New York

President, Men of Reform Judaism, Beth Emeth Chapter (2005 - 2013)

Chair, Cemetery Committee (2007 – 2013)

Memberships

 

2000 - Present         Fort Orange Club, Albany, New York