The Albany Law community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Richard Rifkin, Legal Director at the Government Law Center. He passed away on September 30th, 2025 at the age of 84.

His legacy in public service is nothing short of remarkable. Over a career spanning more than four decades in and around New York State government, he held numerous roles, including: Special Counsel to Governor Spitzer; Deputy Attorney General for the State Counsel Division; Executive Director of the New York State Ethics Commission; Counsel and First Assistant in the Attorney General’s Office; and Special Counsel to the New York State Bar Association. At the GLC, Richard has provided wise counsel to 3 different Directors and has provided a wide variety of analysis - both written and oral - on pressing issues facing state and local governments. He also spent considerable time with our students, explaining the intricacies of the law in a way that only he was able to make look easy.

"The dedication and attributes that Richard brought to every role - integrity, deep knowledge of ethics and public policy, an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the public good, and a desire to train the next generation of lawyers in public service - have left a considerable impact on all who knew him. We will continue our important work here at the GLC in his memory," said President and Dean Cinnamon Carlarne and GLC Director Pat Wildes '16 in their message to campus.

Other former colleagues remember Rifkin fondly. The Hon. Leslie Stein '81, former director of the GLC said, "Richard was a gift to the GLC. He was a brilliant, thoughtful and kind person. He brought unparalleled experience, perspective and good judgment to the work of the GLC and, most importantly, to the students. It was my good fortune to have had the opportunity to get to know Richard and to work with him during my tenure as GLC Director."

"Richard was a brilliant lawyer and dedicated public servant who had a gift for quickly understanding complex legal issues and crafting solutions that were always ethical, legally sound, and promoted public policy. He was also a kind and patient leader, and I am only one of many who are deeply grateful to him," said Professor Evelyn Tenenbaum.

Ava Ayers, Associate Professor of Law and former Director of the GLC said, “Richard was brilliant, earnest, and deeply committed to the public. It was an honor to know him and to work with him.”

Scott Fein, current member and former Chair of the GLC Advisory Board said, "Richard's deep knowledge of state government made him the problem solver over decades for governors, legislators, and statewide officials. More than anyone I have ever met, Richard understood that the development of good public policy required careful thought rather than impulse. His passing leaves a void that will be a challenge to fill." 

“Richard was a brilliant lawyer who graduated from Yale Law School. He had the unique ability of coming up with creative solutions to vexing problems. He was a man of total integrity who had a passion and fierce commitment for public service. He loyally worked at my side for 23 years. Most importantly he was a warm caring man who earned the respect of all who encountered him," noted former New York Attorney General Robert Abrams. “New York has lost a truly distinguished public servant whose life is a model for all to emulate."

His obituary can be found here.