Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer combines ‘detailed technical knowledge’ with a ’very commercial approach’ in the course of its land use practice. The firm advises private developers, investors and cultural institutions – high caliber clients on its books include Harry Winston Inc., The Madison Square Garden Company, and the Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation. The department is led by Paul Selver, who advises public and private clients on zoning, environmental and historic preservation regulations; alongside fellow co-chair Elise Wagner, who is often consulted on use change and enlargement approvals. James Power and special counsel Eugene C. Travers are well-versed in zoning and municipal law as well as environmental review processes. Valerie Campbell‘s work often involves the reuse and alternation of historic or landmark sites; she recently advised the Flatiron Owner LLC on repurposing the famous Flatiron Building into residential apartments above ground floor level. The practice and its attorneys are all based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very thorough and highly detailed technical knowledge combined with a very commercial approach.’

Key clients

  • The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
  • Flatiron Owner LLC
  • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Inc.
  • Wynn Resorts/The Related Companies
  • The Madison Square Garden Company
  • ASAP LGA East Elmhurst LLC
  • YS 220W42 Owner LLC
  • Vornado Realty Trust and /Stellar Management
  • One45 Lenox LLC
  • Thornham Management Ltd & Celtic New York (A) LLC

Work highlights

Serving as land use counsel to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in connection with its redevelopment of the existing bus terminal site on West 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan.
Acting as land use counsel to Lincoln Center, which oversees a 16-acre Upper West Side campus that houses internationally renowned performing arts organizations including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School.

Lawyers

Hall of fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Paul Selver

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Valerie Campbell

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

James Power

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Paul Selver; Elise Wagner

Other key lawyers

James Power; Valerie Campbell; Eugene C. Travers