Biography
Bill Baaki is an experienced litigator focused on construction litigation, commercial litigation, and the defense of complex personal injury cases. He has experience representing property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, homeowners associations, lenders, suppliers, and manufacturers in breach of contract, breach of warranty, construction defect, products liability, real property title disputes, property damage, premises liability, and worksite injury matters including claims under New York Labor Law §§ 240(1), 241(6), and 200. He is OSHA-30 certified.
Bill understands the true value of his clients and the needs of their businesses. He emphasizes teamwork and communication through each phase of litigation. Bill’s desire to serve his clients motivates his practical approach to cost-effective resolution of each dispute. His goal is to help his clients achieve their goals in each matter so they can stay focused on what they do best – building the businesses that help build our communities. Bill also enjoys serving as local counsel to out-of-state firms in a variety of matters in federal and state courts across Upstate New York.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Bill developed his conflict resolution and negotiation skills as a minor league hockey player. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, attempting to learn how to golf, watching his children’s sports and ballet, and serving as a volunteer recreational hockey director for the Schenectady Youth Hockey Association.
Education
Ave Maria School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2004
Colgate University, B.A., 1998
Honors
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent
Upstate New York Super Lawyers, 2017-2020, 2022-2023
Upstate New York Super Lawyers, Rising Stars 2014-2015
Huntington Blizzard (ECHL), Players’ Player Award, 1998-99 and 1999-00
Huntington Blizzard (ECHL), Community Service Award, 1998-99 and 1999-00
Colgate Hockey, Rob Ries Award for leadership and inspiration, 1997-98
Professional Leadership
New York State Bar Association
Construction Exchange of Western New York Education Committee, Past Member
Representative Matters
Obtained defense verdict in jury trial in Supreme Court, Ulster County of personal injury case with potential significant damages.
Represented coffee franchise owner in jury trial in Supreme Court, Sullivan County of personal injury case resulting in successful settlement during trial.
Served as co-trial counsel in legal malpractice case in Supreme Court, Albany County including handling the aspect of the trial pertaining to the underlying complex liability questions arising from a gas tank explosion and fire, resulting in successful settlement during trial.
Represented modular home manufacturer in defense of complex construction defect case resulting in successful settlement during trial in Supreme Court, Otsego County.
Represented commercial property owner and served as co-trial counsel in defense of construction accident case in Supreme Court, Schenectady County resulting in successful settlement during trial.
Represented commercial property owner in negligence matter related to sidewalk construction project including successful oral argument before the Appellate Division, Third Department resulting in reversal and granting of summary judgment dismissing all claims against client.
Community
Schenectady Youth Hockey Association, Recreational Hockey Director
Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, Inc., Board Member
Presentations
Presenter, “The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Toolkit,” NBI Continuing Legal Education Seminar, April 2019
Presenter, “Construction Claims, Liens, and Law,” Construction Exchange of Western New York Seminar, March 2011
Publications
Author, “White Collar Corner: Local Governments and the New York False Claims Act,” The Daily Record, September 2011