Real Estate

News:

Cozen O’Connor Brings its Cross-Border Real Estate Practice to Canada, Adding Three Lawyers in Toronto

The firm is pleased to announce three of Canada’s leading real estate lawyers — Enzo Sallese, Steven I. Pearlstein, and Andrea Wong — will join its fast-growing North American Real Estate practice. More

Cozen O’Connor has earned its place among the nation’s top real estate legal practices. With 75+ dedicated real estate attorneys based in cities across the U.S. and Canada, the firm offers vast real estate capabilities and a full-service multidisciplinary platform. Institutional and entrepreneurial clients rely on Cozen O’Connor to help them achieve success in all areas of the real estate marketplace.

REAL ESTATE PRACTICES

Real Estate Acquisitions & Dispositions

Cozen O’Connor serves clients in the acquisition and disposition of all classes of commercial real estate and routinely leads asset-based and equity interest deals involving transfer of ownership of everything from a stand-alone, single-use property to a highly structured multi-jurisdictional portfolio.

Real Estate Finance

The firm leads complex commercial real estate financings and investments on behalf of lenders, investors, and borrowers throughout the United States and Canada. The team designs finance strategies, negotiates and documents transactions, conducts due diligence, and executes successful closings.

Real Estate Joint Ventures

We advise developers, sponsors, and owner/operators, as well as financial institutions, real estate funds, private equity firms, and REITS on complex real estate joint ventures and lead single-property, portfolio, and programmatic joint ventures targeting all classes of real estate.

Real Estate Development

Attorneys at Cozen O’Connor represent developers, owners, and investors in their most important and ambitious projects. They have decades of experience leading development at every scale, whether developing vacant land for a specific purpose or redeveloping an assemblage of built properties for multiple uses.

Real Estate Leasing

Leasing counsel represents landlords, tenants, and developers in commercial leasing of all categories of real estate, including office, retail and shopping centers, industrial, warehouses, student housing, lab/science space, data centers, and telecom sites.

Real Estate Ground Leasing

Cozen O’Connor regularly represents ground lessors and ground lessees in the formation, negotiation, and operation of ground leases in real estate markets across the United States and is a widely recognized legal leader in the development of ground leases as enhanced financing tools.

Real Estate Land Use & Zoning

The firm represents developers, builders, property owners, investors, REITs, banks, nonprofits, and municipalities in all aspects of land use and zoning for diverse real estate assets, including multifamily, office, retail, educational, infrastructure, entertainment, industrial, and municipal.

Real Estate Condos & Co-ops

The firm is known as a thought leader in the condo/co-op space and represents condo/co-op boards and homeowner associations as well as condo/co-op sponsors, developers, and investors. We advise on all aspects of condo/co-op formation, regulations, transactions, litigation, and day-to-day operations.

Real Estate – Distressed

Whether the cause of distress is project specific or market wide, the firm helps clients identify and achieve best-case solutions to a wide array of distressed real estate scenarios. Cozen O’Connor advises clients on workouts, restructurings, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and capital rescues.

Distinctions

Cozen O’Connor distinguishes itself in the real estate marketplace by fielding a legal team that has the credentials, experience, and sophistication to compete with any top global law firm, along with budget predictability and a sustainable rate structure. We staff matters leanly, work efficiently, and prioritize communication and collaboration.

A too-often overlooked benefit of keeping teams tight and leverage low is that it improves attorney retention and, with that, client service. Clients enjoy real consistency in matter staffing, get to work with the same attorneys over the course of multiple engagements, form more lasting professional relationships, receive more tailored advice as attorneys accrue institutional knowledge, and feel more confident that their attorneys today are fully invested in their success tomorrow.

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Experience

Publications

Major Long Island City Rezoning Enters Public Review [Alert]

April 23, 2025

Vivien Krieger, Rachel Scall, and Lucas Lopes discuss the New York City Planning Commission's neighborhood plan for Long Island City.

New York City Local Law 97 Deadline: May 1, 2025 [Alert]

April 08, 2025

New York City building owners facing Local Law 97 carbon emission compliance deadlines should note the available grace period, extension options, and potential hefty penalties for non-compliance.

New York City Proposes to Regulate Last-Mile Facilities [Alert]

April 07, 2025

Vivian Krieger and Rachel Scall discuss a proposed zoning amendment that would require special permits for large last-mile delivery facilities near residential areas in NYC.

Jamaica Rezoning Plan to Enable New Housing and Jobs Enters Public Review [Alert]

March 24, 2025

Vivien Krieger, Rachel Scall, and Lucas Lopes discuss the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan that would facilitate the creation of 12,000 new residential units, including approximately 4,000 permanently affordable units, and over 2,000,000 square feet of commercial and community facility floor area in and around Downtown Jamaica in Southeast Queens.

New York City Housing Development Forecast: Partly Sunny for 2025

February 07, 2025

Ken Fisher discusses the persistent housing shortage in New York City in amNY.

A CTA Injunction Remains Despite Supreme Court Stay [Alert]

January 27, 2025

Larry Laubach, Ingrid Welch, and Steve Katkov discuss the U.S. Supreme Court decision to stay the injunction issued by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland.

Midtown South Mixed-Use Rezoning Plan Enters Public Review [Alert]

January 27, 2025

Vivien Krieger, Rachel Scall, and Meenakshi Srinivasan discuss Mayor Adam's “Manhattan Plan,” and the next steps.

The First Sale Doctrine: A Strategic Tool to Reduce Import Values & Lower Tariffs with U.S. Customs [Alert]

January 09, 2025

Heather Marx, Tom Wallrich, and Kristi Zentner discuss the First Sale Doctrine and how this tried-and-true strategy may be implemented by importers to minimize tariffs.

[+] [View All Publications]

Events & Seminars

Upcoming Events

Tranched Loan Workouts & Restructuring Environment 2025

June 02, 2025 - New York, NY

Zach Samton will moderate the panel "Tranched Loan Workouts & Restructuring Environment" at the IMN Real Estate Mezzanine Financing & High-Yield Debt Forum.

The State of the Mezz Economy & Capital Markets Outlook

June 02, 2025 - New York, NY

Bill Davis will moderate the panel "The State of the Mezz Economy & Capital Markets Outlook" at the IMN Real Estate Mezzanine Financing & High-Yield Debt Forum.

Past Events

[+] [View All Events]

In The News

Attorneys Size Up NYC Condo Conversion Bill

May 19, 2025

Leni Cummins is quoted in a Law360 article regarding changes to blue-sky law in New York’s 2026 budget that allow some mixed-income rental buildings to be converted to condominiums.

Cozen O’Connor Represents Lenders in Connection with a $450 Million CMBS Loan

May 15, 2025

Cozen O’Connor represented Goldman Sachs Bank USA; Bank of America, National Association; and Bank of Montreal in connection with a five-year, fixed-rate CMBS loan with an original principal balance of $450 million.

Elizabeth Kearney Named a 2025 GlobeSt. Woman of Influence

April 21, 2025

Elizabeth Kearney, vice chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate practice, has been named a 2025 GlobeSt. Woman of Influence.

Co-op Board's Licensing Agreement Breaches Its Fiduciary Duty

April 17, 2025

Leni Cummins is quoted in a Habitat Magazine column responding to a question regarding who has legal rights to co-op spaces (i.e., a backyard) when ownership and boundaries are unclear.

Jonathan Knipe Elected Fellow of American College of Real Estate Lawyers

April 15, 2025

Jonathan Knipe, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate Group, has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.

Developers With Hudson Yards and Times Square Properties Get Big Tax Breaks — and Then Seek Even More

April 11, 2025

Ken Fisher was quoted in a recent article for THE CITY discussing developers’ rights to appeal property tax assessments, even when receiving substantial tax incentives.

Can Co-ops Charge Extra for the Use of a Backyard That Belongs to a Unit?

April 08, 2025

Leni Cummins is quoted in a New York Times “Ask Real Estate” column responding to a question regarding who has legal rights to co-op spaces when ownership and boundaries are unclear.

Ken Fisher and Jerry Goldfeder Named to City & State New York’s 2025 Law Power 100

March 11, 2025

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, and Jerry Goldfeder, a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, have been named to City & State New York’s 2025 Law Power 100.

Is Your Indemnification Clause Protecting You?

March 04, 2025

Leni Cummins appears on the Legal Talk for Co-ops and Condos podcast to discuss the liability risks faced by condo and co-op board members.

[+] [View All News]

Contacts

Jonathan W. Knipe

Co-Chair, Real Estate

jknipe@cozen.com

(212) 453-3940

Mitchell Poole

Co-Chair, Real Estate

mpoole@cozen.com

(310) 594-3128

Daniel W. Hardwick

Co-Chair, Real Estate

dhardwick@cozen.com

(202) 463-2538

William F. Davis

Vice Chair, Real Estate
Co-Chair, Real Estate Finance

wdavis@cozen.com

(212) 883-4947

Elizabeth E. Kearney

Vice Chair, Real Estate

ekearney@cozen.com

(215) 665-4169

People

Awards

Five Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

February 25, 2025

Los Angeles attorneys Susan A. Grueneberg and Marion Hack and Santa Monica attorneys Thomas W. Casparian and Paul S. Rutter to its 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers list. Joseph McCormack, counsel in the Los Angeles office was named a 2025 Rising Star.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized in Best Law Firms – Canada in 8 Practice Areas for 2025

November 08, 2024

These rankings are based on research and data collected through the "Law Firm Survey," as well as the feedback of almost 2,200 clients, more than 4,600 lawyers, 206 interviews with practice group and firm leaders.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Three Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers

January 12, 2024

Los Angeles attorney Susan A. Grueneberg and Santa Monica attorneys Thomas W. Casparian and Paul S. Rutter to its 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers list.

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 230 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Three Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to 2023 Super Lawyers

July 17, 2023

Thomas G. Wallrich was recognized as a Super Lawyer, and Cassandra Jacobsen and Curt N. Trisko were named Rising Stars.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 30, 2022

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

49 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 01, 2022

Super Lawyers has selected 49 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Kenneth Fisher Named Among City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100

February 14, 2022

New York, February 14, 2022 — Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2022 Real Estate Power 100. The list recognizes New York City’s most influential real estate executives, public officials, lawmakers, labor leaders, activists, and advocates. Fisher was recognized for his “reputation as a respected authority working ‘at the intersection of law, politics, and community service.’”

Eight Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers

January 20, 2022

Super Lawyers has named eight Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers list.

Super Lawyers Recognizes 17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

October 04, 2021

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2021 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

More Than 205 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 19, 2021

Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Ken Fisher and Stuart Shorenstein Recognized Among City & State New York’s Law Power 100

March 22, 2021

Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, and Stuart A. Shorenstein, a member of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies and chair of the New York City and state practice, were named to City & State New York’s Law Power 100.

Ken Fisher Recognized Among City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100

March 22, 2021

Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100.

Six Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized by the South Florida Legal Guide

February 02, 2021

Six Cozen O'Connor attorneys have been honored by the South Florida Legal Guide for their work in South Florida over the last year.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

Fifty-Eight Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 05, 2020

Super Lawyers has selected 58 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Kenneth Fisher Named to City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100

March 30, 2020

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100.

Kenneth Fisher and Stuart Shorenstein Named to City & State New York’s Law Power 100

March 11, 2020

Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, and Stuart A. Shorenstein, a member of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies and chair of the New York City and state practice, were named to City & State New York’s 2020 Law Power 100.

Nine Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as 2020 Southern California Super Lawyers

January 15, 2020

Super Lawyers has named nine Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2020 Southern California Super Lawyers.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 27, 2019

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Kenneth K. Fisher Named to City & State New York’s Brooklyn Power 100

August 19, 2019

Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2019 Brooklyn Power 100.

57 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

April 25, 2019

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the USA, has ranked 57 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the Guide’s 2019 edition.

Kenneth K. Fisher Named to City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 50

March 31, 2019

Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of the law firm of Cozen O'Connor was named to City & State New York’s inaugural Real Estate Power 50.

Cozen O’Connor Attorney Paul S. Rutter Named the Urban Development Lawyer of the Year by Century City Bar Association

January 24, 2019

– Cozen O’Connor attorney Paul S. Rutter, a member of the real estate practice in the firm’s Santa Monica, Calif., office, has been named “Urban Development Lawyer of the Year” by the Century City Bar Association. The Association provides legal education, leadership opportunities, and a sense of community to more than 4,000 Century City attorneys. Paul is among six attorneys being recognized by the Association for distinguishing himself in his respective field of expertise.

125 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-five Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Related Practice Areas

Upcoming Event:

The State of the Mezz Economy & Capital Markets Outlook

New York, NY 06/02/2025

Bill Davis will moderate the panel "The State of the Mezz Economy & Capital Markets Outlook" at the IMN Real Estate Mezzanine Financing & High-Yield Debt Forum.

Event Details

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