About Libby Clark, Esq.

Who I Am + Why It Matters

Libby Clark, Esq. is a trusted outside general counsel and strategic partner to developers, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders across New York. Based in Saratoga Springs.

Visionary Strategist | Legal Architect | Real Estate & Business Innovator

When things get stuck, high-stakes, or uncertain—I'm the one they call.

I’m not just a lawyer. I’m a trusted legal strategist, former GC & COO, and the person clients call when outcomes matter more than paperwork. I work with developers, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders to move complex projects forward, navigate risk, and solve what others can’t.

What I Do Best

Legal strategy for developers, growth-stage businesses, and nonprofits

  • General Counsel support without the full-time hire

  • Deal negotiation, project approvals, and risk alignment

  • Complex stakeholder issues: conflict, trust, accountability

  • Leadership guidance where law meets operations or people

Why Clients Trust Me

Clients describe me as the calm in the chaos. I bring clarity, warmth, and fierce precision to the moments that matter most. My work is driven by deep respect for people—and an unshakeable commitment to outcomes.

  • Former General Counsel & COO

  • EOS Integrator and real estate strategist

  • NYSBA Well-Being Chair, Vistage speaker, national presenter

  • Described as a “pit bull with a brilliant brain and zero ego”

  • Known for solving what others miss—with clarity and calm

Where I’ve Had Impact

  • Secured approval for a 200+ unit affordable housing project

  • Guided first-ever PILOT for single-family redevelopment in NY

  • Led land use strategy for a regional retailer with 350+ locations

  • Advised an international resort operator on multi-phase development

  • Resolved inter-agency conflict to unblock a stalled urban infill project

    • Counsel to international resort operator in site selection, legislative review and approvals, site plan and SEQRA review, tax incentives and regulatory compliance.

    • Lead counsel on redevelopment of multi-site, urban infill project with public/private capital investment, tax relief and asset stabilization.

    • Project counsel to 200+ unit affordable housing project in Saratoga County including offsite mitigation agreements and tax relief.

    • Achieved first-ever tax incentive relief in Central New York single-family PILOT for economic redevelopment of former government site.

    • Real estate development counsel to regional retailer in land use strategy in site selection and approvals.

    • Assisted affordable housing developer in defeating application of building moratorium to site plan review of multi-family project.

    • Provided counsel to private school in development of its second phase, including modification to use and area variances, amended negative declaration under SEQRA, site plan review and architectural review.

    • Provided counsel to recreational not-for-profit in the acquisition and land use development of property for $20M facility, including legislative initiatives in use change, environmental review (SEQRA), and site plan review.

    • Assisted counsel team with representation of a semiconductor manufacturing company in the development of its Saratoga County facilities, including legislative changes, environmental review (SEQRA), real estate transfers, and site approvals.

    • Acted as special counsel to a local economic development corporation in its application for local legislation for future development, including draft legislative changes and environmental review under SEQRA.

    • Assisted on counsel team to health care facility in the development of its regional medical campus, including the creation of its planned development district (PDD) and environmental review under SEQRA.

    • Obtained approvals for client necessary for the development of a winter resort timeshare facility.

    • Provided counsel to corporation joint venture involving land acquisition, ground leases, tenants, tax implications, land use approvals, and operations.

    • Provided counsel to CEO of online content provider in joint venture with a foreign corporation, including review and assessment of private placement memorandum, multi-jurisdictional contracts, and development of investor/shareholder rights.

    • Negotiated successful sale of shares in a closely-held company to first third-party investor in company’s history.

    • General Counsel & COO experience

    • EOS Integrator & operational strategist

    • Real estate development law and public finance

    • Organizational health, well-being, and workplace transformation

    • Board governance and executive alignment

  • J.D., cum laude, 2003

    Justinian Honor Society

    Editor, ALS Journal of Science & Technology

    National Appellate Team (Privacy Law)

  • B.A. in History (Russian & Mid-East Studies), 2000

    National Dean’s List

    Study Abroad (NZ) - Univ.of Waikato (cross-cultural leadership)

Education & Licensing

  • Honoree (2016)

  • Chair, 2020-2021

    Developed first comprehensive study and assessment of the environment of law culture and practice with a call for change.

  • Founder & Moderator (2020-2021), NYSBA

    Led confidential drop-in lawyer group with clinical psychologist for 54-weeks in a row during COVID19 shutdown.

  • President (2015-2016)

    Established County Bar’s first Lawyer’s Assistance Committee for lawyers with confidential mental health and substance use concerns.

  • Board Member (2009-2018)

    President (2016-2018)

  • Board Member (2023-2024)

Service & Awards

Presentations & Media