DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP

Real Estate

6 ranked lawyers

Band 1

New Jersey

USA 2021 View ranking table

chambers review

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

A superb group for real estate matters, with an active and robust practice across the entire spectrum of work. Handles varied zoning and land use projects involving mixed-use buildings, industrial premises and brownfield redevelopment sites, assisting with issues including the acquisition of planning permits and site approvals. Also demonstrates expertise in transactional work including sales, acquisitions, leases, financing and tax issues. The team displays further strength handling litigation matters along with environmental issues associated with development projects. Has extensive experience acting for regional and national developers, private equity investors and landlords and tenants.

Strengths

One client notes: "They are very knowledgeable in real estate law and have a wonderful working relationship with state agencies."

Another describes the team as "very knowledgeable, available and reliable."

"The firm holds a strong professional work ethic," says one client. "They have exceptional communication skills and a quick delivery turnaround on transactions."

Work highlights

Represented the borrower in securing a $150 million mortgage loan from an insurance lender to finance a 566,215 sq ft Class A office building in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Notable practitioners

Christine Li is renowned for her expert handling of development projects, including notable expertise in condominium law.
"Christine is fabulous - if you were to have any question to do with condominium law, the first name that comes up is Christine's and she will certainly know the answer!" "She is a good lawyer and is very well regarded." "Christine is fantastic - she wrote the handbook on condominium law in New Jersey."

Jack Fersko is recognized as an expert in real estate transactions, development projects and financing matters. He has additional expertise in environmental law issues.
"He is a fantastic attorney." "From a knowledge of the law standpoint, there is no question that he is very much up there at the top. He also has a good way with people." "Jack is a top lawyer. He is a very good draftsperson and a very practical lawyer as well."

Martin Dollinger commands respect for his longstanding experience in commercial real estate matters, having advised on an array of significant transactions and leasing matters across his distinguished career.
"Martin is responsive, trustworthy, and professional." "He has unrivaled technical skills in the marketplace. He does a good job of protecting his clients' interests." "

Robert Goldsmith assists clients with an array of matters relating to development and redevelopment projects. He has expertise in permitting and design issues as well as wider contentious matters.
"He is a really, really terrific attorney." "He is a very accomplished redevelopment lawyer." "He represents clients all over the state and he is an expert in his field of redevelopment and land use. He is practical and gets things done because he understands the political context and is able to build consensus around issues."

Steven Mlenak advises clients such as developers, municipalities and owners on a range of development projects.
"Steven is strong and dynamic - he is someone who is going to emerge as a future powerhouse of land use and redevelopment." "He is highly knowledgeable in the subject matter, and is very responsive and accessible."

Thomas Denitzio offers considerable expertise in handling transactional and financing matters, alongside expertise in insolvency and tax issues.
"He is a class act." "He is a good, solid real estate lawyer."

Department Information

This content is provided by Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP.

Overview

Comprehensive expertise in legal and business aspects of real estate sector, depth of knowledge and experience in NJ market
Complex transactional work including acquisitions, sales, leases, due diligence, agreements with state and municipal entities, condominium law, brokerage law, affordable housing, alternative energy, sustainable development
Real estate litigation including eminent domain, real estate tax appeals, prerogative writ actions
Redevelopment, zoning. land use matters including project siting, planning, funding, approvals, permits
Public-private partnerships
Residential, industrial, commercial, retail, office, mixed use, urban and transit-oriented development and redevelopment, contaminated properties
Representation of developers, property owners, business owners, landlords, tenants, REITS, investors, municipal entities, financial institutions, brokers, planned real estate associations
Debt and equity project financing; construction and permanent loans, revolving credit facilities; federal, state and municipal finance programs, tax abatements
Financial and economic development incentives including those under NJ Economic Recovery Act of 2020
Redevelopment counsel to private developers, municipal governments, state and county boards, educational institutions
Establishment and operation of special improvement districts; general transactional work, litigation
Allocation of environmental risk in transactions, including use of environmental insurance as risk management tool