About Neil

Representing the 46th Senate District (all of Albany County), Neil Breslin is a Democrat who believes in change and the power of people coming together to make their community a better place to live. Serving his seventh term, Neil has championed issues that make a difference in people’s lives—from shepherding the final passage of a downtown parking permit system for the City of Albany to protecting people statewide by mandating that insurance companies must apply for prior approval before raising health insurance premiums.

Born as one of six children on June 9, 1942, Neil is a lifelong Albany resident. On academic scholarship, Neil attended Fordham College graduating in 1964 with a BS degree in Political Science. While at the University of Toledo Law School, he was named the editor-in-chief of the Law Review and was also selected as an outstanding student in his class. Upon graduation from law school, Neil became an associate in the firm of Garry, Cahill & Edmunds. Two years later he was named a partner in a new firm—Garry, Cahill, Edmunds & Breslin.

In 1981, Neil formed a partnership with his two brothers, Michael (currently Albany County Executive) and Thomas (currently Albany County Court Judge. Currently, Neil practices law "of counsel" at Hiscock & Barclay handling mostly estate issues such as wills and bequests and real estate law.

A community leader for many years, Neil’s involvement in civic and social causes includes 15 years as a board member of Arbor House, a residence facility for women in need. For seven of those years, he was Arbor House’s board president.

His other volunteer commitments have included: 

• Pro-bono legal work for St. Anne's Institute, Hospitality House, the International Center and Hope House
• Vice President of the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless from 1994 to 1998
• Active member of the New York State Bar Association, including: Lecturer on real estate law; Editor of the New York State Bar Association General Practice of Law Section Newsletter from 1980-1984; Member of the Executive Committee of the General Practice of Law Section from 1980-1985 and from 1989-1998; Chairperson of the General Practice of Law Section from 1993-1994; Member of the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association from 1992-1994
• Member of the Character and Fitness Committee of the New York State Appellate Division, Third Department since 1987
• Chairman of the Grievance Committee for the Albany County Bar Association from 1985-1993
• Member of the Executive Committee and former chair of the State/Federal Relations Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL)

In recognition of his dedication and commitment to his community, Neil has received awards from numerous organizations including Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Caregivers Respite Services of Catholic Charities, University at Albany's Presidential Honors Society, New York State Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, KidsPeace National Centers, Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy ("Distinguished Public Service Award") and Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club ("Profiles in Courage Award").