Attorney Profiles: Christopher R. Lyons
Christopher Lyons
A seasoned trial attorney for more than 20 years, Christopher Lyons has successfully litigated cases in jurisdictions throughout the U.S., with a breadth of experience which includes a concentration in the human services arena.
Mr. Lyons has just recently become a principal in the newly established law firm of Towne Ryan & Partners, P.C., allowing for greater expansion of legal services to providers, including employment practices and corporate governance. His experience includes service with the General Counsel of New York State's Office of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities and as National Counsel for CNA Insurance's Human Services Program.
As a result of his extensive litigation background in Human Services, Chris has been asked to give numerous key note speeches, presentations and training seminars across the country to various human services organizations, associations and governmental agencies, focusing on recognizing and implementing unique defense strategies for reducing claims against service providers. Mr. Lyons has authored several articles on a consumer's Right to Risk , provider liability and the applicable standards of care in the Human Services industry.
Mr. Lyons graduated from Hobart College in 1981, where he later served as Assistant Dean of the College. He earned his J.D. from Albany Law School in 1988, after which he served as Law Clerk to NYS Supreme Court, Appellate Div. Sr. Associate Judge T. Paul Kane and thereafter, Presiding Judge A. Franklin Mahoney. At Albany Law, Mr. Lyons was Associate Editor of the Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Board. He has been honored with several awards from the Law School and recently served on its Board of Trustees.
Professional Memberships and Awards
New York State Bar Association
Member, Trial Lawyers Section
Member, Committee on Issues Affecting People with Disabilities
Defense Research Institute
Albany Law School Board of Trustees (former)
National Order of Barristers
New York State Third Department Committee on Character and Fitness
Albany Law School Outstanding Young Alumnus
Albany Law School Alumni Council (Past President)
AIM Services, Inc., Board of Directors (former)
HGS Assisted Living Facility, Board of Directors (former)
Bar Admissions
New York State 1989
Massachusetts 1989
Federal District Court, Northern District of New York 1991
Second Circuit Court of Appeals 2008
Several State and Federal Courts, pro hac vice
Professional Activities
Frequent CLE Speaker for New York State Bar Association and Albany Law School on Civil Procedure and Tort Litigation
Frequent Speaker at National and State Conferences for Provider Agencies in the field of Human Services
Authored several articles on litigation strategies, risk management and loss control in the human services industry
Sage Colleges, former adjunct Professor of Legal Studies
Empire State College, former Instructor Legal Studies
