From Transactions to Triumphs

New York Real Estate Law Firm

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    Aerial panorama of New York

    New York City Real Estate Lawyer

    Representing NYC Landlords and Property Owners.

    In New York City, real estate deals move quickly, and the stakes are high, especially within the complex field of Landlord-Tenant law. Real estate is not for the faint of heart. A single misstep could lead to thousands or millions of dollars in losses. Whether you are a commercial landlord, buyer, seller, investor, or part of a condo board, it takes more than a sharp business sense to ensure success. You need legal counsel who understands not only the law but the market.

    At Smyth Levenson LLP, we do not provide one-size-fits-all advice. We tailor strategies that match your goals, the deal at hand, and the unpredictable terrain of New York real estate. We are dealmakers when you need to close, advisors when the path ahead is unclear, and litigators when disputes arise. 

    Who We Represent: The Dealmakers of NYC

    New York’s skyline was built by people willing to take calculated risks, guided by clear insight and supported by strong counsel. We devote our practice entirely to clients with skin in the game. Our firm represents the following:

    • Commercial landlords with portfolios ranging from boutique office spaces to Class A towers
    • Real estate investors acquiring, financing, or disposing of property interests with an eye toward return
    • Commercial tenants negotiating leases that anchor their businesses for years to come
    • Condominium and co-op boards navigating the daily operational and legal complexities of building governance
    • Buyers and sellers in multimillion-dollar residential and commercial transactions
    • Landlords and tenants requiring representation in disputes and litigation

    New York City landlord-tenant law is complex, highly regulated, and often adversarial to landlords and developers. We focus on clients with ownership interests or business objectives tied to property to eliminate potential conflicts. If you own, manage, invest in, or lease property in NYC, we bring a sharp, experienced, and unconflicted perspective to your side of the table. 

    Ambitious businesswoman standing confident and strong in the city.

    Client Success Stories

    Real Estate Services We Offer

    Our real estate legal practice spans the lifecycle of property ownership, from acquisition and financing to, leasing, operation, and eventual sale. We provide strategic legal guidance in the following areas:

    Residential Property Transactions

    Residential property transactions demand the same level of sophistication, speed, and risk management that define New York’s marquee commercial deals. Whether you are purchasing a Fifth Avenue co-op, selling a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, or trading a portfolio of luxury condominiums, unseen legal landmines can derail your closing. We scrutinize offering plans, board minutes, title exceptions and financing terms to pre-empt surprises before they threaten your move-in date—or your return on investment. Our attorneys coordinate seamlessly with brokers, lenders, and managing agents to keep the process moving while protecting your negotiating leverage. When board approval stalls, we strategize; when a bank appraiser balks, we recalibrate; when a last-minute lien appears, we resolve it. From contract to closing, we convert complicated paperwork into actionable steps so you can focus on the life change behind the address. Your home is personal; our protection of it is professional, tailored to you.

    Commercial Real Estate Transactions

    In New York City, deals are almost never “standard.” We identify, isolate, and resolve problems before they lead to costs for you. Whether you are acquiring a flagship retail property or offloading a surplus asset, the transaction must close cleanly and confidently. We provide thorough legal oversight from start to finish in the following areas:

    • Due diligence and contract negotiation
    • Title review and title insurance coordination
    • Financing, refinancing, and loan documentation
    • 1031 tax-deferred exchanges
    • Closing and post-closing matters

    Commercial Leasing

    Commercial leases are as varied as the properties they govern. Each lease represents a long-term agreement between parties whose interests are rarely aligned. Our NYC real estate attorneys help clients avoid hidden pitfalls, clarify ambiguous language, and negotiate provisions that protect our clients’ interests now and for years into the future. We represent both landlords and commercial tenants in the negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of leases for the following:

    • Office space
    • Retail space
    • Industrial and warehouse facilities
    • Ground leases
    • Triple-net leases
    • Subleases and assignments

    Co-op and Condo Law

    Commercial leases are as varied as the properties they govern. Each lease represents a long-term agreement between parties whose interests are rarely aligned. Our NYC real estate attorneys help clients avoid hidden pitfalls, clarify ambiguous language, and negotiate provisions that protect our clients’ interests now and for years into the future. We represent both landlords and commercial tenants in the negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of leases for the following:

    • Building repairs and capital improvements
    • Disputes with shareholders or unit owners
    • Contract negotiation with vendors and contractors
    • Regulatory compliances at the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Buildings (DOB)
    • Enforcement of lease provisions and house rules

    Real Estate Litigation

    When things go wrong, we are more than paper pushers. We litigate real estate disputes with the same rigor we bring to dealmaking. Our lawyers approach litigation with a dual mindset: How do we resolve this efficiently, and how do we win if resolution fails? Our litigation practice includes the following:

    • Breach of contract claims involving purchase and sale agreements, leases, and development deals
    • Partnership and joint venture disputes
    • Commercial holdover and non-payment eviction proceedings
    • Construction and contractor disputes
    • Quiet title actions
    • Easement and access disputes
    • Brokerage commission claims

    Meet Our Team

    Christina Smyth
    Christina Smyth

    Partner

    ButnickLevenson_NoahL
    Noah E. Levenson

    Partner

    ButnickLevenson_StephaneA
    STEPHANE AVOUAC

    Senior Litigation Associate

    ButnickLevenson_HeskelK
    HESKEL KAHEN-KASHI

    Senior Transactions Associate

    ButnickLevenson_GeorgiaI
    Georgia Ionescu

    Associate

    Deanna Puentes
    Deanna Puentes

    Senior Paralegal

    ButnickLevenson_JoshuaB
    JOSHUA BUTNICK

    Of Counsel

    ButnickLevenson_AndrewB
    Andrew Briker

    Of Counsel

    ButnickLevenson_CamilleS
    Camille Sinanan-Ramrattan

    Paralegal

    ButnickLevenson_CheriseC
    Cherise Carter

    Paralegal

    ButnickLevenson_PriyaP
    Priya Patel

    Paralegal

    ButnickLevenson_JoanndrizM
    Joanndriz Melecio

    Paralegal

    A couple undergoing therapy session with a professional therapist in a modern interior.

    Private Law, Public Impact

    Not all real estate challenges relate to government approvals. Many clients come to us with highly sensitive or complex disputes that turn on property rights, ownership structures, or competing development interests. In a dense and highly leveraged market, property conflicts often arise from ambiguous easements, inconsistent surveys, quiet title issues, and disagreements among partners. Our litigation team brings calm, experienced focus to these high-stakes scenarios, whether the issue is a breach of contract, a failed joint venture, or interference with development rights.

    We know winning in real estate litigation does not always mean going to trial. Much of our best work happens behind the scenes, positioning your side through clear-headed negotiation, strategic leverage, and a thorough understanding of what the courts are likely to do. 

    When trial is necessary, we are ready. Our courtroom approach is meticulous, strategic, and aligned with your business priorities.

    What Sets Our Firm Apart

    There is no shortage of law firms in New York City that handle real estate. What sets us apart is not only what we do but how we do it.

    Deep Market Knowledge

    Our attorneys know not only the law but how it plays out in the unique pressure cooker of New York City real estate. We understand the difference between how a clause reads on paper and how it performs when tested in court or renegotiated mid-deal.

    Strategic, Not Reactive

    Some real estate attorneys just react to problems as they arise. We prefer to see around corners. Whether it involves negotiating a lease, structuring a deal, or assessing litigation risk, we ask the questions others may overlook and give you a roadmap—not a list of issues. 

    We Do Not Sit on the Fence

    Unlike some lawyers, we do not hedge every answer with a dozen caveats. We give you our opinion, backed by law, experience, and real-world outcomes. When you need risk analysis, we provide clarity, not vagueness.

    Responsive, Not Robotic

    When you work with our firm, you will not wait days for a response or receive cookie-cutter advice that does not fit your situation. We pride ourselves on client service. That includes timely communication, clear explanations, and advice you can act on. 

    Happy real estate agent showing to a couple where to
    real estate agent Explain house plans to view house plans and sales contracts, house purchase contracts with land and insurance with rental house concepts, business success.

    Consult with Us Before You Sign Anything

    Real estate does not wait, but that does not mean you should enter a deal without knowing before you go. If you are contemplating a deal, facing a dispute, or simply want a second opinion before you proceed, contact Smyth Levenson LLP at 917-540-2729. We will give you honest, actionable insight tailored to your circumstances. Our lawyers bring a depth of experience, clarity of vision, and commitment to results that match the pace and pressure of New York City real estate.

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