Education
- J.D., Syracuse University College of Law, 1994 (Summa Cum Laude, Ranked #1)
- M.S., Marine Environmental Sciences, SUNY Stony Brook, 1990
- M.A., Mathematics, Wesleyan University, 1983
- B.A., Mathematics, SUNY New Paltz, 1981
Fun Facts
- Founded Safe at Last Animal Rescue, Inc. in 2011 — has saved and homed 1,000+ animals.
- Taught college-level mathematics for 6½ years before her law career.
About
As Of Counsel at The West Firm, Cindy M. Monaco has dedicated her practice to environmental and land use law, offering deep experience in permitting, compliance, and appellate advocacy. She represents a diverse range of clients, including municipalities, industrial operators, and energy developers, often working on large-scale projects that involve regulatory approvals, siting decisions, and compliance with state and federal review statutes. Her ability to guide clients through both the technical and legal aspects of these matters makes her a trusted advisor on complex, multi-jurisdictional issues.
Cindy’s approach combines rigorous legal analysis with a practical understanding of the business and community interests involved in environmental projects. She has successfully handled disputes in both administrative and judicial forums and has been sought out for her skill in shaping appellate strategies that clarify complex statutory and regulatory questions. Her clients rely on her not only for her legal expertise but also for her commitment to helping them achieve sustainable, long-term outcomes in challenging regulatory environments.
Awards & Affiliations
Valedictorian, SUNY New Paltz (Mathematics)
Recipient of the Gerson B. Robison Award for Excellence in Mathematics
Jesse Smith Noyes Fellowship and Sigma Xi Research Grant (SUNY Stony Brook)
Summa Cum Laude, Syracuse University College of Law (Ranked #1 in class)
Leadership
Cindy founded Safe at Last Animal Rescue, Inc. in 2011, a nonprofit organization that has successfully saved and rehomed more than 1,000 animals. She also previously taught mathematics at the college level for over six years, mentoring students while pursuing advanced academic research.
Education & Credentials
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1994
SUNY Stony Brook, M.S. Marine Environmental Sciences, 1990
Wesleyan University, M.A. Mathematics, 1983
SUNY New Paltz, B.A. Mathematics, 1981
Admitted to practice law in New York
Practice Areas & Industries
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Cindy represents municipal, industrial, and energy clients in environmental law matters, including siting, permitting, compliance, and enforcement.
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She counsels clients on regulatory compliance, agency approvals, and permitting processes, helping them navigate complex state and federal requirements.
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Cindy advises developers and energy companies on project siting, regulatory reviews, and permitting for facilities ranging from power generation to large-scale infrastructure.
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