Patricia E. Salkin is the Raymond and Ella Smith Distinguished Professor of Law and Associate Dean of the Albany Law School; and Director of the Government Law Center. She teaches courses in land use law, housing law and policy, NYS administrative law, current legal issues in government and government ethics. She is also on the adjunct faculty at the University at Albany in the Department of Geography and Planning where she teaches courses in planning law and planning ethics. Dean Salkin's New York government service includes work for the Office of Rural Affairs, the Department of State, and the State Senate.
The Government Law Center of Albany Law School was established in 1978 to promote interdisciplinary study and research in government and the problems facing government; to introduce law students to methods of policy analysis and to public service; and to serve as a resource to all levels of government in the resolution of specific problems.
The Center conducts research and studies, sponsors conferences and symposia, and offers a number of training programs. These activities may be at the request of governmental entities or on the Center's own initiative.