This page provides basic access to information and people who made up the legal community in Albany. A few practicioners were well educated and well-trained in the law. However, most would-be Albany lawyers took a more practical approach to litigation and legal matters.

Beginning during the earliest days of the settlement, prominent community members represented themselves and less articulate neighbors and kin before local courts.

Notaries and justices. Adrian Janse Van Ilpendam.

Reputedly trained in England, former garrison officer John Collins was Albany's first professional attorney.

Colonial legal profession. William Corry left an extensive practice (caseload) when he died suddenly in 1763. Peter Silvester followed him in Albany until relocating to Kinderhook during the War for Independence.

Abraham Yates, Jr. had a number of proteges.

Native son and Yale graduate William Livingston was trained in New York and represented Albany before the provincial government on many occasions during the 1750s and 60s.

New Yorker Stephen Lush.

Era of the American Revolution. Hamilton, Burr, Troup all lived in Albany in 1780.

Robert Yates - surveyor, lawyer, jurist.

Abraham Van Vechten - jurist.

A number of online resources further describe the law and legal profession in early America!