Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq.

New York

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC
22 First Street, P.O. Box 208
Troy, New York 12181-0208
United States

Tel: (518) 266-1026

Email: mginsberg@psgglaw.com
Web: www.psgglaw.com

Professional Biography

Michael is the Managing Partner at Pattison Sampson Ginsberg & Griffin PLLC one of the oldest established firms in the United States. The Firm traces its roots back to 1813.

Mr. Ginsberg has been instrumental in developing and implementing Title IX policies and protocols for the Firm’s education-based clients and has succeeded in defending the same in a multitude of Federal and State courts. He is a trained and certified Title IX investigator. Michael and his team represent both institutions of higher education and individuals in Title IX related matters in both internal proceedings and lawsuits.

Mr. Ginsberg was honored in 2021 and named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 as well as U.S Lawyers of Distinction. He was selected to NY Super Lawyers© in 2024 and 2025. He is the former President of the Rensselaer County Bar Association and also a former member of the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association. He was chosen as a member of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under Forty in 2005.

Mr. Ginsberg was Interim General Counsel at Rensselaer Polytechnic institute in 2016 and has served as External and Chief Litigation Counsel for the Institute since 2003. He has also served as External and Chief Litigation Counsel for the City of Troy since 2004. Michael is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).

Throughout his career Mr. Ginsberg has been devoted to the community serving on the Boards of the YMCA, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Vanderheyden Hall, the Association of the Blind, Troy BID, the Weinberg Foundation, Renss. Gateway Dev. Corp. and others.

The attorneys at Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC have extensive experience addressing the challenges faced by students, parents, educators, and administrators in today’s increasingly complex education environment. The firm has deep knowledge of federal and local education system requirements for both private and public schools, as well as the differing regulatory frameworks that apply across every stage of education, including preschool, K–12, secondary and college education, and post-secondary or graduate study.

For more than 100 years, the firm has provided legal counsel to colleges, institutions, and school districts throughout the Capital District Region of New York, including Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga. The attorneys advise on a wide range of education-related matters, including academic affairs and policy issues, institutional and entity governance, student life and affairs, Title IX investigations and compliance, risk and crisis management, student and faculty exchange and study-abroad programs, construction matters, federal, state, and municipal compliance, government relations, research administration and technology transfer, charitable gifts and bequests, and other related practice areas.

The firm also assists families and individuals navigating school and university disputes. Matters such as student disciplinary proceedings and disability accommodations, including IEP requests, can be complex and high-stakes, with issues such as suspension, expulsion, or denial of educational rights at risk. With decades of experience guiding clients through university and school-based crises throughout the Capital District, the attorneys at Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC provide experienced advocacy for those facing these challenges.

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC has represented and guided families as well as educational institutions and programs across the Capital District of New York in Title IX matters for more than two decades. The firm provides guidance in drafting Title IX compliant policies, implementation and application of those policies, and revision of such policies when appropriate.

Investigations:

Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC has experienced Title IX investigators on staff that can provide impartial investigations regarding all matters including the most sensitive ones. We have investigated a multitude of Title IX complaints with the goal of obtaining the necessary evidence required to make a proper and fair determination supported by the evidence.

Training:

The firm offers Title IX based training for coordinators, investigators, support personnel, public safety officers and administrators, and hearing officers. Providing the parties to a Title IX matter a fair and reasonable process requires appropriate training and an understanding of the applicable policies and procedures.

Lawsuit Defense:

Now more than ever educational institutions are finding themselves in Court defending the decisions being made in Title IX cases. Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC has extensive experience in such court proceedings and has achieved great success on behalf of its clients throughout the Capital District of New York.

The law firm of Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, P.C. traces its roots to the early 1800’s and is named in the New York State Historical Business Registry. Located in Troy, New York, The firm’s practice is extensive throughout Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga (the Capital District/Region), and elsewhere in the country.

The firm’s attorneys possess a broad range of experience and provide legal services in the areas of education, banking, labor and employment law, estate planning and probate, trusts, litigation, property tax reductions, real estate, matrimonial and business law.

The team are also involved in service to the public through pro bono work and volunteer involvement with local civic, charitable, arts and educational organizations. The firm’s strength is in its mission, which is to maintain the standards of experience, depth and knowledge required to provide quality personal service to its individual and institutional clients.

“Michael Ginsberg is widely respected for his leadership in Title IX investigations and litigation involving higher education institutions. Clients value his strategic counsel on complex campus misconduct matters, while peers highlight his experience defending institutional policies in both federal and state courts.”
The Education Lawyers, 2026