LAWYER PROFILE
Zackary Knaub

Zackary Knaub

USA 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Greenberg Traurig, LLP

USA

Practice Areas

Environmental

Environmental & Toxic Tort Litigation

Energy & Natural Resources

Government Law & Policy

Litigation

Energy Transactions

Water Law

Complex Torts

Career

Zackary D. Knaub brings deep New York government experience to his Environmental and Government Law & Policy practices. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, Zackary served as Interim Chief Counsel and First Assistant Counsel to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and before that, as Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Energy and the Environment. In these roles, Zackary advised Governor Cuomo and his administration on all legal issues related to executive actions, policies, and legislative initiatives. He coordinated the legal affairs and operations of over 100 State Executive Agencies, State Authorities, Public Benefit Corporations, and boards, and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Governor’s Counsel. Zackary managed the development and negotiation of major legislation and gubernatorial initiatives. He supervised negotiations of all legislation in the Governor’s annual $175 Billion state budget and managed outside counsel in litigation. His public relations experience includes advising press and operations staff on crisis management strategies and public messaging of complex legal and policy initiatives.

Zackary has also defended and prosecuted environmental and commercial cases in state and federal courts, and before administrative tribunals, arbitration panels, and mediators for a wide range of businesses in areas of law including federal and state environmental laws, intellectual property, Federal Acquisitions Regulations, employment law and policy, insurance coverage, and environmental risk management.

Concentrations:

Environmental litigation

Environmental enforcement

Government investigations

Regulatory compliance

Energy law

Clean energy

Procurement

State finance law

Personal

Education:

J.D., cum laude, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 2003

Articles Editor, Cardozo Women’s Law Journal

M.A., Spanish Literature, Columbia University, 1997

Assistant Editor, Revista Hispanica Moderna

B.A., cum laude, University of Iowa, 1996

Judicial Clerkships:

Staff Attorneys’ Office, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2003-2005

Languages Spoken

Languages:

Spanish, Fluent

French, Basic

German, Basic

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Environment - New York: Upstate

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Zackary Knaub is recognized for his broad base of environmental law expertise, advising clients on regulatory compliance, enforcement and litigation.

Environment - New York

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Zackary Knaub utilizes his extensive government background to enhance the practice, focusing on environmental litigation, regulatory compliance and energy law.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Zackary is smart, informed and creative. We could not be happier with his performance.

    EnvironmentChambers Guide to the USA
  • Zackary has a great demeanor and is a very good attorney.

    EnvironmentChambers Guide to the USA
  • Zack is really knowledgeable and sophisticated and a pleasure to work with. You'll get quality collaboration with him.

    EnvironmentChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Greenberg Traurig, LLP (331)

Arizona

California

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership