What we say about the firm's legal practice in United States
Real estate and construction
Within Construction (including construction litigation), Zetlin & De Chiara LLP is a third tier firm,
The ‘attentive, competent and extremely knowledgeable’ attorneys at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP serve as general counsel to numerous design and construction companies, assisting in all facets of the construction process from drafting and negotiating contracts to advising on risk management, and litigating when necessary. The 22-strong boutique is highly regarded in New York, and has three other offices nationwide. The team includes several LEED AP certified lawyers, and represents architects, developers, lenders, owners, engineers and contractors in both non-contentious and contentious matters. Founding partners Michael Zetlin and Michael De Chiara co-chair the team and are well respected among rival firms. Focusing on disputes and serving as an arbitrator at the American Arbitration Association, Zetlin is ‘a great lawyer who delivers mature advice’. His recent engagements include representing a developer in a multimillion-dollar dispute with a construction manager which arose during the development of a large condominium project. De Chiara is also a strong litigator, who also advises clients on contractual issues, financial affairs and general business matters. He has ‘excellent industry knowledge and connections’, and recently worked on matters relating to the World Trade Center area, including numerous cases for a world-renowned architect and a well-known engineering firm. He is also advising on the construction of a memorial project at the site.