NEW YORK, October 5, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor announced a significant addition to its multi-faceted, full service Real Estate Practice with the hiring of renowned leasing attorney Russell G. Wohl. Wohl comes to the firm from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and brings decades of experience representing major landlords and tenants throughout New York City. He will chair Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate Leasing practice and be based in the New York City office at 3 World Trade Center.
Wohl’s practice focuses on headquarters and anchor-tenant leases, ground-up construction, high-value occupancy projects, and other major office leasing transactions. Clients rely on Wohl for his technical prowess and deep practical understanding of the New York real estate market.
“Demand for office space is strong in New York City and today’s clients want and need flexible, sophisticated lease options in order to adapt to new, post-pandemic hybrid work models,” said Jonathan W. Knipe, co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate practice. “Russell brings a 30-plus-year background of working closely with major landlords and tenants to develop custom leasing agreements that will satisfy their needs. I have known and worked with Russell for over 20 years, and he will be a terrific addition to our practice and a tremendous asset for Cozen O’Connor clients.”
Known for his technical ability, dedication, and responsiveness, Wohl has handled lease negotiations for a proverbial “who’s who” of commercial tenants, including Credit Suisse in connection with its headquarters lease at 11 Madison Avenue; SAP, Inc. at Related Properties’ Hudson Yards; the National Hockey League with its new headquarters and experiential retail at Manhattan West; New York Presbyterian Hospital with its new occupancy at 237 Park Avenue; Sony Corporation of America in connection with its sale leaseback at 550 Madison Avenue; and Tiger Global Management at 9 West 57th Street. On the landlord side, he has represented Silverstein Properties at 2, 3, 4, and 7 World Trade Center in leasing agreements with WPP Media (formerly GroupM), Freshfields, Kelly Drye, McKinsey, Morningstar, Spotify, StubHub, and Uber. He represented Brookfield Asset Management in its buyouts/early terminations at 660 Fifth Avenue and subsequent new leases with Citibank, Macquarie Global Services, and Viking Capital. He also represented Forest City Enterprises in the initial lease-up of the New York Times Building.
“Yes, rents are continuing to rise here, but landlords in general are offering concessions to attract tenants, reflecting a still competitive leasing environment,” said Michael C. Schmidt, co-office managing partner of the firm’s New York office. “Russell is ideally suited to help both major tenants and landlords assess the current market and develop leasing strategies. As the new chair of Cozen O’Connor’s already vibrant commercial leasing practice, he’s a great addition to the New York City office.”
“I was drawn to Cozen O’Connor by the opportunity to expand and lead the New York City leasing group, build the team’s overall capabilities, and help bring deep cost efficiencies to our clients,” Wohl said. “Having unfettered access to my colleagues in real estate development, construction law, zoning and land use, environmental, tax, bankruptcy, real estate-related litigation, and other relevant areas will certainly benefit our clients.”
Wohl is a Chambers-ranked real estate attorney and regular participant in the invitation-only Advanced Commercial Institute at Georgetown University Law Center. He earned his J.D. at St. John’s University School of Law and a B.A. at State University of New York in Binghamton, N.Y.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 1,000 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 35 offices across two continents.