Alumnus in Residence Tells Students: Now is a Great Time for a Law Degree
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law degree gives you the “keys to the kingdom,” Greg Butler ’88 told a group of Albany Law School students during his spring visit. “When they give you the key, when they say you’re a lawyer, there’s nothing you can’t do. But what are you going to do with it?” Butler, senior vice president and general counsel of Northeast Utilities System, was on campus for the day as the 2011 Alumnus in Residence. Undaunted by the economy, he told the group that law school is always “the best thing you can do. You are the person in the room everyone defers to. There’s nothing you can’t do with a law degree…. Everything in this country requires a lawyer.” Asked by a student what a young lawyer should do to stand out, Butler replied without missing a beat, “Do a really good job. Never turn down an assignment.” He guaranteed the students
that they were getting a worldclass education. “I know this, because I was in your seat.” Butler oversees the legal, regulatory and communication operations of the holding company for Connecticut Light & Power Co., Western Massachusetts Electric Co., Public Service Co. of New Hampshire and Yankee Gas Services Co. Previously he was vice president of federal affairs at New England Electric System, senior counsel for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, a senior attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and an associate counsel to the N.Y. State Assembly minority leader. He praised Professors Frank Anderson and Peter Preiser for their tough approaches. He described how the lessons of Michael Hutter rescued him during a recent board meeting—Professor Hutter, who was in the audience, thanked him. Earlier in the day, Butler participated in a luncheon panel on navigating grid
interconnection requirements and issues around renewable energy. The panel was organized with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Co-panelists included Elizabeth Grisaru, of counsel, Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, Albany, and Sean Mullany ’88, assistant counsel, N.Y. State Public Service
Commission. “Law school is the best business decision I’ve ever made,” Butler said. “I know you will get a great education here. I know you will have great opportunities.” Since 1992 the Alumni in Residence program has brought Albany Law School’s most distinguished graduates into the classroom to share their expertise with students.
Butler moderated a panel on the in-house counsel later in the day. Panelists, from left, were, Joseph Gaug ’89, Albany International Corp.; Christine Daniels ’81, Golub Corporation; Butler ’88. Not shown were Lee Hessberg ’76, Albany Medical Center; and Matthew Hoff ’99, General Counsel, Treo Solutions. Spring 2011 Albany Law Magazine
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