Henry A. Zomerfeld

Henry concentrates his practice in environmental, energy, and municipal law. His practice includes representing businesses and municipalities in a variety of commercial and contract-based litigation, as well as advising clients on regulatory compliance, regulatory enforcement actions, and environmental risk assessment issues. Additionally, Henry also represents municipalities in a variety of matters, including those related to takings, zoning, land use, and code enforcement.

As part of his practice, Henry advises developers of renewable energy projects across New York State on real property tax implications, including the interplay of Real Property Tax Law Section 487 exemptions and payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreements. Through his efforts, developers are able to better evaluate and prepare for real estate tax liabilities before and during the life of those projects.  Henry also counsels clients on other real property exemptions and incentives, including Real Property Tax Law Sections 420-a and 485-b. 

In addition, Henry litigates tax assessment matters under Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law and has represented taxpayers, including renewable energy developers, as well as municipalities and school districts in those proceedings.

• Listed, Best Lawyers in America Ones to Watch (Commercial Litigation), 2021 - 2023
• Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars (Environmental Litigation), 2017 – 2022
• Robert J. Connelly Excellence in Trial Advocacy Award, 2013
• Associate Editor, Buffalo Journal of Gender, Law & Social Policy, 2013 - 2014
• Competitor, Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition (advanced to the 2014 international rounds; 7th Best Oralist in the World/3rd Best Oralist in the U.S. out of approximately 600 oralists)

• Chairperson, Bar Association of Erie County, Environmental Law Committee
• Member, New York State Bar Association, Committee on Condemnation, Certiorari and Real Estate Taxation; Committee on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar

• Member, Bar Association of Erie County, Committee on Eminent Domain and Tax Certiorari

• Associate member, New York State Assessors Association

• NYSBA Empire Counsel Award, 50 or more hours of pro bono work
• President Elect, Director, and Former Secretary, University at Buffalo Law Alumni Association and Graduates of the Last Decade ("GOLD") Group 2016- Present 
• President, Volunteer Lawyers Project Rising Champions for Justice, 2022
• Community Council Member, Buffalo State Newman Center , 2022
• Assistant Coach, Buffalo State Mock Trial, 2011-2015
• Member, Order of Barristers Honor Society, 2014
• Bar Association of Erie County: Volunteer Lawyers Project