Patrick L. Seely, Jr.
Hacker & Murphy, LLP
7 Airport Park Boulevard
Latham, NY 12110
Map
Phone: (518) 783-3843 | Fax: (518) 783-8101
http://www.Hackermurphy.com
Responsive-Creative-Effective
Legal Topic
Real Estate Law
Preferred New Clients
• Any property tax issues, equalization questions, condemnation/eminent domain and appraiser matters.
• Boundary disputes and title questions whether in Albany or across upstate New York.
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
• Any property tax issues, equalization questions, condemnation/eminent domain and appraiser matters.
• Boundary disputes and title questions whether in Albany or across upstate New York.
Sub-Topics
Business Tax
- Audit Defense
- Corporate Income Taxes
- Excise Taxes
- International Taxes
- IRS Disputes
- Negotiating Payments & Settlements
- Payroll Taxes
- Property Taxes (Ad Valorem Taxes)
- Sales Taxes
- Tax Evasion Defense
- Tax Filing & Compliance
Bar Admissions
NY, Jun 1905
Bar Number: 2527380
Other Court Admissions
All Federal and State Courts in New York and also in the Courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Association Memberships
• American Bar Association
• NYS Bar Association
• Albany County Bar Association
• NYS Assessors Association
Continuing Education
I teach CLE classes on property taxes and condemnation. I attend courses on general litigation.
Example Cases
• Mid-Hudson Migrant Ministry v. Fine Host Corp 2nd Circuit- for the defense jury verdict and attorney's fees awarded of $4,000 when $225,000 sought.
• Niagara Mohawk v. Town of Bethlehem (NY Court of Appeals)- for the Town proceeding dismissed.
Education
Albany Law School
Juris Doctorate
Albany
1992
Magna Cum Laude; Jay H. Milstein Prize; Matthew Bender Prize; Ira Mark Bloom Prize; Justinian Law Society
Executive Editor-Law Review
College of the Holy Cross
Bachelor of Arts
Worchester
1984
Monsignor Cavanaugh Medal; Best paper on religious architecture.
• Economics
• Four years of varsity soccer
Number of Attorneys
8
State Licensed In
New York
Firm Focus and History
The firm of Hacker & Murphy has existed in the Albany area since 1992. The firm has, since its inception, litigated commercial disputes, personal injury property tax challenges and eminent domain claims.
Hacker & Murphy engages in all phases of trial and appellate practice at all levels in New York State and Federal Courts. Our cases cover New York from White Plains to Plattsburgh and Albany to Buffalo. The firm has extensive litigation experience in all types of legal proceedings ranging from administrative hearings to complex extended trials. The firm is experienced in working with regional counsel and in-house counsel as required for a successful resolution.
Previous Employment Summary
For my previous legal employment prior to joining Hacker & Murphy in 2001, I worked for a large regional law firm in Upstate New York focusing on the same practice areas. Before law school I was a sales rep for a multinational consumer products company and an internal auditor for a small bank.
Activities and Awards
• BV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Prior Board Member of The Albany's Girl's Club
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
An educated client is helpful, but not required. Many of our clients arrive fairly sophisticated about the law on property taxation though we generally have no difficulty explaining matters where necessary to less experienced clients.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review all documents prepared by clients, whether for property tax matters or other areas.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I generally do not provide this service.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Lawyers help clients solve problems through constant investigation of facts and legal precedents and by presenting their position persuasively to opponents and the court. The combination of investigation and persuasion was very attractive to me.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In my two prior jobs before law school I was a sales representative for a multi-national consumer products firm and a bank auditor for a small bank. In each of those positions respectively, I had to sell ideas or dig out facts stored in the bank's files. Those experiences help bolster the tenacity and persuasiveness necessary to be an effective advisor and advocate.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Numbers and lawyers typically do not mix, but I always enjoyed working with numbers, which most of my practice requires for property tax, condemnation and appraisal issues.
What do you like best about your career?
The best part about practicing law is the new issues we encounter regularly and that we remain on the lookout for. Applying that experience to help clients solve their problems in a way that allows them to maintain a positive relationship with their opponents is very gratifying.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our firm focuses almost exclusively on litigation with no attorney having less than ten years of experience. Two of our partners have been recognized as "Super Lawyers" in upstate New York and are AV rated in Martindale-Hubbell for property tax and litigation. You will find that my secretary is helpful and thorough on the phone and that we are very responsive when you have a concern.
What are your strengths and style?
Analytical, creative and persistent. Because most of my property tax and boundary dispute clients maintain a relationship with their opponent, constructive conduct helps clients continue positive relations after the matter is concluded. If the matter goes to trial, we work for the best result.
Personal Interests:
Family, baseball, golf, U.S. History and reading.
Office Manager/Assistant
Barbara Elcox
Fax
(518) 783-8101
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Litigated maters rarely involve predictable courses rendering fixed fees impractical, rather we offer estimates as detailed as the clients wish. Taking into account various foreseen events and contingent fees in appropriate cases.
Hourly Rates
$225 to $275
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation
Typical Retainer
No, it depends on the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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