Biography
Bill Baaki is a trial lawyer focused on construction litigation and the defense of complex personal injury and product liability matters. He has experience representing owners, general contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, suppliers, and manufacturers in breach of contract, breach of warranty, construction defect, products liability, property damage, and worksite injury matters including claims under New York Labor Law §§ 240(1), 241(6), and 200.
Bill understands the true value of his clients and has a deep understanding of the needs of their businesses. He emphasizes teamwork through each phase of litigation, working together to set the litigation plan and dedicated to executing the plan on time and under budget. Bill’s desire to serve his clients motivates his practical approach to each stage of litigation. 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. Because many cases are won or lost before they are sued, Bill also offers rapid response accident investigation and pre-litigation support for clients at construction sites throughout Upstate New York. He is OSHA 30 certified.
Bill honed his conflict resolution and negotiation skills as a minor league hockey player. His personal construction ability is limited to building a backyard ice rink each winter for his children. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, hiking, and watching his children’s sports and ballet.
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
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, Assistant Coach
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