Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is sought after by developers, institutions, public authorities and schools for advice relating to zoning, building codes, historic preservation and land use litigation. The team counts New York University, Silverstein Properties, and Sherwood Equities among its clients. Situated in New York, the practice is led by Judith Gallent, who has a successful record of obtaining discretionary land use approvals and carrying out zoning due diligence for investors and lenders. James Colgate possesses know-how regarding special permits and zoning variances while navigating the complex bureaucratic and political processes that can be involved. Kurt Steinhouse is fluent in all aspects of land use, zoning, and real estate development; the practice benefits from his prior experience working on residential, commercial, and community projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The firm handles both complex and mundane matters for clients with the same commitment.'
- 'The zoning advice clients are provides is clear, concise and deeply thoughtful , way more so than any other firm around.'
- 'Bryan Cave's Land Use group have a unique combination of unparalleled expertise in both the NYC Building Code and Zoning Code, along with the deepest and most trusted relationships with the Building Department.'
- 'The firm is full of creative thinkers with deep expertise in complex NYC zoning.'
- 'Each member of the team is very knowledgeable, responsive and bright.'
Key clients
- Silverstein Properties
- Sherwood Equities
- Empire State Development Corporation
- Success Academy Charter Schools
- New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Silverstein Capital Partners
- The Hudson Companies
- St. Nicks Alliance
- Janus Property Company
- Breaking Ground
- New York University
- The Archdiocese of New York
- Consolidated Edison of New York
- Joseph Safra Real Estate
- Arbor Realty Trust
- International Code Council Inc.
- Educational Housing Services, Inc.
- Spring Capital
- Ares Real Estate Income Trust
Work highlights
Representing TDC in connection with land use approvals for the Flushing Commons project in Flushing, New York.
Assisting The Archdiocese of New York in divesting itself of properties throughout its portfolio, consisting of churches, schools, convents, rectories, and vacant development sites.
Representing the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the public authority that develops and operates New York City’s mass transit system, in land use matters including the reconstruction of Penn Station, the nation’s busiest rail station; the recent $82 million purchase of a site in East Harlem, NY from Extell Development to serve as the terminus of New York City’s Second Avenue Subway line; as well as zoning issues arising in connection with the development of property owned by the MTA and private developer transit improvements.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kurt Steinhouse
Practice head
Judith Gallent
Other key lawyers
James Colgate
Kurt Steinhouse