Michael A. Kornstein

Michael A. Kornstein is a senior counsel attorney in Albany, New York. His practice focuses on banking, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, and real estate. He represents financial institutions in loan transactions, debt workouts, and foreclosures involving residential and commercial property. Admitted to the New York bar in 1978, he became a partner in 1983 and transitioned to senior counsel in January 2024. His work spans both lending transactions and disputes over unpaid obligations.

Michael earned a B.S. cum laude in Psychology from Union College in 1973. He then earned a J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University in 1977. During law school, he served as a member and associate editor of the Albany Law Review. His education laid the groundwork for a career involving loan documents, real estate transactions, and complex creditor claims.

Michael has represented financial institutions in foreclosures involving office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, and marinas. He has also handled liquidation matters for the Resolution Trust Corporation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In bankruptcy proceedings, he has represented creditors and supervised the liquidation of a 14-store retailer on behalf of a lender. His transactional work includes preparing and closing asset-based loans, term loans, mortgage loans, and lines of credit.

Michael A. Kornstein has lectured on mortgage foreclosure at continuing legal education seminars sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. He is also a member of the Albany County Bar Association and the Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Association. Recognized by Super Lawyers in 2012 and from 2014 through 2024, he brings decades of experience to matters that require close attention to lending terms, property interests, and creditors’ rights.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Cooper Erving & Savage LLP
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, Albany County Bar Association
• Member, Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Association
• Board Member and Counsel, Ronald McDonald House of Albany
• Board Member and Secretary, Dudley Observatory (1998-1999)

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Albany Law School Union University
  J.D.
• Union College
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges