Atty. Michael J. Grygiel

Atty. Michael J. Grygiel

Michael J. Grygiel focuses his practice on national media law, with an emphasis on defending news and entertainment organizations from news-gathering and publication-related claims, including defamation, copyright infringement and invasion of privacy matters.

Call (518) 689-1400

Profile Summary

About Michael J. Grygiel at a glance

Michael J. Grygiel is a civil rights and entertainment attorney based in Albany, New York, practicing at Greenberg Traurig. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar, New York, New York State Bar Association, and Vermont, Vermont Bar Association. Educated at Temple University (J.D., 1983) and Hamilton College (BA, 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - First Amendment (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Media Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Albany, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael J. Grygiel focuses his practice on national media law, with an emphasis on defending news and entertainment organizations from news-gathering and publication-related claims, including defamation, copyright infringement and invasion of privacy matters
  • He also represents media companies and other clients in complex Lanham Act, trade secret and Internet-related litigation and counseling
  • Michael has served as lead trial counsel to media and other clients in bet-the-company litigation, including a nationally watched news aggregation copyright case and a trade libel action against a major medical device manufacturing company
  • He is experienced representing the press in a wide range of matters involving applications for access to civil and criminal court proceedings and records, and freedom of information law cases in both federal and state courts
  • Prior to Michael’s career in private practice, he was the Director of the Arthur Levitt Public Policy Center at Hamilton College, where his teaching concentrated on First Amendment and constitutional law

Practice Areas Explained

Michael J. Grygiel's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Grygiel handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Civil Rights

Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.

Michael J. Grygiel is one of 63,079 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in New York →

Entertainment & Sports Law

Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.

Michael J. Grygiel is one of 41,102 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in New York →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New York

Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Albany are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Albany or all attorneys in New York.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael J. Grygiel

Where is Michael J. Grygiel's law office located?
Michael J. Grygiel's law practice is located in Albany, New York. The firm is Greenberg Traurig. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael J. Grygiel handle?
Michael J. Grygiel focuses on civil rights, entertainment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New York.
Where did Michael J. Grygiel go to law school?
Michael J. Grygiel earned their education at (J.D., 1983); (BA, 1979).
How can I contact Michael J. Grygiel for a consultation?
You can contact Michael J. Grygiel directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael J. Grygiel received?
Michael J. Grygiel's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - First Amendment; Best Lawyers in America — Media Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:.

Education

J.D.
Temple University
- 1983
BA
Hamilton College
- 1979

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - First Amendment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Media Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Advertising
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Copyright
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defendants
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Publishing
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trademark
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers magazine, New York Super Lawyers, 2007-2013
- 2026

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
New York, New York State Bar Association
Vermont, Vermont Bar Association

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