Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s extensive New York–based team is well equipped to advise clients on all aspects of the City’s Zoning Resolution. The practice is experienced in securing complex zoning interpretations, rezonings, and variances from relevant boards and councils, as well as litigating public agency decisions. The team also regularly appears before the Landmarks Preservation Commission, where it represents clients in connection with landmark designation processes and work permits, and advises on site assemblage and the land use aspects of project financing. The practice is led by James Power, who advises private developers, lenders, investors, and cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions on zoning and environmental review processes, alongside representing clients before city agencies. Valerie Campbell and Eugene Travers bring notable expertise in historic preservation matters, while Sheila Pozon advises on the planning, acquisition, development, and financing of projects. Paul Selver focuses on zoning interpretations, entitlements, and transfers of development rights, and Patrick Sullivan advises on public approval strategies for major developments. Former co-practice head Elise Wagner retired in December 2025.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Key clients
- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- The Related Companies – Western Rail Yard
- Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.
- One45 Lenox LLC
- LVMH Inc./Louis Vuitton
- Plaxall Inc.
- The Witkoff Group
- Extell Development Company
- CIM Group, LP
- Vertical Projects
- The Gotham Organization and the Monitor Museum
- Vornado Realty Trust and Stellar Management
Work highlights
Acting 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 is located on 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.
Advising on One45 - a project located at the intersection of Lenox Avenue and West 145th Street which will provide in excess of 1,000 apartments, approximately 35% of which will be permanently affordable.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Power
Other key lawyers
Valerie Campbell; Sheila Pozon; Paul Selver; Patrick Sullivan; Eugene Travers