Thomas J. Garry is an attorney leader in economic development and public finance on Long Island and across downstate New York.
He advises clients on major expansion projects in energy, health care, and other industries. Tom and his team have been instrumental in guiding hospitals and other healthcare providers in the creation of new ambulatory care and patient facilities to address changing demographics.
He also advises developers seeking approval for windmill energy farms off the shore of Long Island and other projects tied to New York’s efforts to convert to a zero-carbon grid in the next few decades.
Tom represents municipalities and serves as special counsel to many towns and local agencies, providing legal advice on issues such as the development and implementation of master plans, the creation and impact of municipal easements and restrictive covenants, compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the creation of planned development districts, zoning overlay zones, transportation issues and smart growth projects.
He also represents developers and municipalities in litigation involving land use, zoning, and breach of contract.
Tom is recognized for his experience in election law and represents clients in New York state courts, including the Appellate Divisions and the Court of Appeals. He served as New York state counsel for each of the past two Democratic nominees for president and served as an elector for New York in the 2020 Presidential Election.
His professional and community activities include: The New York State Second Department Judicial Screening Committee, chair; Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, member; The Crime Victims Center, board member; Nassau County Bar Association, member; Catholic Lawyers Guild, member; Nassau Democratic Committee, vice chairman and Hofstra University Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, member.
Tom is a member of the Harris Beach PLLC Management Committee. He is also managing partner for the Harris Beach Long Island office in Uniondale, where he supervises day-to-day operations and the work of more than 40 attorneys and professional staff.
Harris Beach PLLC, an accomplished firm with a strong presence across New York and the Tri-State area, and Murtha Cullina LLP, a leading legal presence in Connecticut and Massachusetts, announced a planned combination for the creation of one firm. This new combined firm, which will be a powerhouse in the region’s legal industry, will be known as Harris Beach Murtha. The synergies between the two law firms will benefit clients of both firms through a significantly increased knowledge base and expanded service areas. Together, Harris Beach Murtha will have more than 250 attorneys across 15 offices in several states, and more than 250 years of combined legal experience.
What advice would your give other business leaders?
“It has been my experience over the past 20+ years practicing law on Long Island that when people of goodwill work together, great things happen. We see many communities throughout the region taking advantage of economic development programs and incentives to create dynamic, livable, and workable centers. These transformational projects bring business and people to a core area to enhance a community’s economy. I am proud to be a part of it.”
