This attorney has been selected for the recognitions mentioned herein, which have been conferred by the corresponding publications and/or organizations noted. An overview of the award selection methodologies for these recognitions can be found at https://www.gibbonslaw.com/awards. Links to certain specific methodologies are embedded in individual entries. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Mr. Sinkman represents plaintiffs and defendants in Superfund and other litigation matters regarding the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. He also represents buyers, sellers, and developers of contaminated properties, including parties seeking qualification for tax credits and other benefits provided by New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program. Mr. Sinkman’s practice also includes assisting clients with a wide variety of environmental compliance matters.
Mr. Sinkman is a former Assistant Attorney General in the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau. In that role, he represented New York State and its agencies in Superfund matters; litigation against the federal government and private parties seeking in excess of $50 million for PFAS contamination at 69 sites; litigation against an international organization seeking more than $40 million in flooding damages; and other environmental enforcement matters.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Sinkman was in private practice in New York City. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard Owen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Mr. Sinkman is a member of the Executive Committee of the Environmental and Energy Law Section (Section) of the New York State Bar Association and Co-Chair of the Section’s Enforcement and Compliance Committee. He also is a member of the Board of Directors of the New York City Brownfield Partnership. Mr. Sinkman regularly writes about environmental law issues and speaks on environmental law programs hosted by the Section, the NYC Brownfield Partnership, and other organizations.
Credentials
Education
Boston University School of Law (J.D.)
- Selected for the Sutherland Cup Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, DC
- Edward C. Stone Moot Court
- President of the Jewish Law Students Association, 2006-2007
University of Michigan (B.A.)
Professional Admissions
State of New York
State of New Jersey
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Western District of New York
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Professional Activities
New York State Bar Association
Executive Committee, Environmental & Energy Law Section, 2019 – Present
Co-Chair, Enforcement and Compliance Committee, Environmental & Energy Law Section, 2019 – Present
Member, Global Climate Change Committee, Environmental & Energy Law Section
Member, Hazardous Waste/Site Remediation Committee, Environmental & Energy Law Section
Co-Chair and Principal Organizer, Earth Day Climate Change Symposia, 2020-2025, sponsored by the New York State Bar Association and New York City Bar Association
New York City Bar Association
Member, International Human Rights Committee, 2016 – 2019
Member, New York City Brownfield Partnership Board of Directors
Judicial Clerkship(s)
Judicial clerk to the Honorable Richard Owen, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, New York, NY, 2008 – 2010
Civic/Charitable Activities
Mr. Sinkman has regularly provided pro bono legal services while working in the private sector. His pro bono work has included representing an applicant for refugee asylum status based on religious and political persecution and representing clients in landlord-tenant matters.
Legal Employment
New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau
Assistant Attorney General, 2016 – 2021