Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

Co-Managing Partners: Jeffrey L. Goldman, Daniel Altman

Established: 1989

Number of Attorneys: 60

Office: One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10165

Geographic Service Areas: The New York City Metropolitan Area and Nationwide

Languages: Spanish, Hebrew, Portuguese, Russian, Filipino, Italian

Contact: Phone: 212-867-4466 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.bbgllp.com

Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP ("BBG") provides comprehensive real estate advisory solutions for owners, developers, REITs, landlords, property managers, co-ops and condos. BBG has a proven track record of success in navigating complex legal matters, including development projects, landlord-tenant disputes, administrative proceedings, land use and zoning, and more, and have honed their skills to address the unique needs of each client.

BBG's team of litigation, transactional, regulatory, and administrative real estate lawyers bring a comprehensive approach to every case. BBG understands the intricacies of the real estate landscape and have built strong relationships with key regulatory agencies, ensuring that they can effectively navigate the government review and approval process on behalf of their clients.

Administrative Proceedings

BBG’s attorneys bring extensive experience in representing clients through both administrative and judicial review processes. The firm handles affirmative and defensive proceedings before key regulatory bodies, including the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Environmental Control Board (ECB). With a strong command of the Rent Stabilization Law and Code, as well as evolving judicial and administrative precedent, BBG is well-equipped to address tenant complaints and DHCR proceedings involving rent regulatory status, overcharges, harassment, and related matters.

In addition to litigation and regulatory representation, BBG provides legal support across a range of administrative housing issues. These include compliance with rent regulations, demolition applications, deregulation of rent-stabilized apartments, Horizontal Multiple Dwellings (HMDs), rent overcharge complaint disputes, rent reductions due to decreased services, substantial rehabilitation matters, and defense in Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) audits. The firm’s decades of experience navigating these complex areas enables it to deliver practical, informed guidance to property owners and managers throughout New York City.

Anti-Harassment and Certification of No Harassment (CONH)

BBG has a proven track record of success in assisting owners of SRO buildings, hotels, and multiple dwellings located in special anti-harassment zoning districts with obtaining Certification of No Harassment (CONH) and securing exemptions from the CONH requirement in New York City.

Appellate Litigation

The Appellate litigation lawyers at BBG offer significant experience in Housing Court appeals at the Appellate Term and Supreme Court appeals at the Appellate Division (First and Second Judicial Departments). They tailor strategies to address even the most specific legal challenges, grounded in a deep understanding of New York City’s real estate regulations.

Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights

BBG’s attorneys counsel clients in lift-stay motions, in securing post-petition use and occupancy, and filing proofs of claims on behalf of landlords and lenders. The firm also provides representation to property owners and developers facing bankruptcy, helping them safeguard their business interests. BBG’s bankruptcy and creditors’ rights attorneys additionally represent clients in all bankruptcy proceedings. In addition to litigation support, BBG offers counsel on related financial matters. Whether clients are approaching bankruptcy or seeking to assert their rights as creditors, the firm advocates on their behalf and works to identify the most effective solutions.

Co-op and Condo Law

Cooperatives and Condominiums throughout New York City have received comprehensive legal services from BBG for more than two decades. BBG's Co-op and Condo practice includes assisting boards of directors and managers with corporate governance matters, including navigating complex governance issues and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and governing documents. The firm offers legal support in enforcing obligations under proprietary leases, by-laws, and house rules; guiding amendments to governing documents; and organizing and conducting board and shareholder meetings. BBG also advises on the development and approval of conversion and offering plans in accordance with New York State regulations. The team handles dispute resolution between shareholders and boards, addresses subletting and occupancy issues, and manages contract negotiation and preparation for capital projects and vendor agreements. Additionally, BBG supports purchase and sale transactions, financing matters, lease negotiation and preparation, litigation within the condominium and cooperative context, and regulatory matters before the Department of Buildings and related agencies.

Commercial Leasing

BBG provides experienced legal counsel in navigating the complexities of commercial leases. The firm understands the importance of well-drafted lease agreements in protecting the interests of property owners, landlords, small business owners, and other stakeholders. BBG’s commercial leasing attorneys tailor each lease to meet the specific needs of the client.

Recognizing that a commercial lease forms the foundation of a long-term landlord-tenant relationship, BBG ensures that every agreement is clear, accurate, and aligned with negotiated terms. The firm’s attorneys advocate for their clients’ rights, offering strong legal protection in the event of disputes or challenges.

Commercial Real Estate Litigation

Known for its deep experience in New York real estate litigation, the firm handles a wide range of real estate law matters, including contract and corporate disputes, specific performance, business torts, construction litigation, land use and development disputes, RPAPL 881 access issues, cooperative and condominium conflicts, general commercial litigation, title insurance claims, Yellowstone injunctions, deposit disputes, asset management disagreements, and commercial lease disputes.

Construction Law

BBG provides legal services tailored to the diverse needs of stakeholders in the construction industry, including private and public owners, developers, landlords, tenants, architects, engineers, designers, consultants, project managers, construction managers, design-builders, general contractors, subcontractors, trade contractors, and suppliers. BBG’s attorneys assist in drafting and negotiating industry-specific contracts. From project conception and design through development, financing, procurement, bidding, construction, and management, the firm supports clients at every stage to help ensure successful project completion.

Due Diligence

Due Diligence related service offerings include conducting title searches and reviews, performing zoning and land use analyses, and providing contract review and negotiation support. The firm also handles environmental assessments, lease reviews, and other critical evaluations to help clients make informed investment decisions and mitigate potential risks. Each service is designed to deliver clear, actionable insights that support the security and success of real estate ventures.

Human Rights

BBG’s team of human rights attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of property owners throughout New York City. With a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of human rights matters in the city’s dynamic legal environment, the firm brings extensive experience to navigating the challenges property owners may face. BBG serves as a trusted legal partner, offering steadfast representation in all matters related to human rights.

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

In landlord and tenant disputes, BBG advocates for the rights of landlords and property owners. The firm possesses extensive expertise in rent regulatory laws, including Rent Stabilization Laws and Code, Rent Control, Affordable Housing Laws, and the Loft Law. By staying current with the evolving regulatory landscape, BBG provides informed guidance throughout judicial proceedings in Housing Court, Civil Court, and Supreme Court, enabling clients to make well-informed decisions in landlord-tenant litigation.

BBG simplifies the complexities of Rent Control, Rent Stabilization, Affordable Housing, and the Loft Law—areas that often favor tenants and present challenges for property owners and managing agents. Even in intricate matters such as luxury decontrol or disputes involving J-51 and 421-a tax benefits, the firm excels in helping owners maximize profitability through strategic and innovative legal approaches.

Land Use and Zoning

BBG offers a comprehensive range of zoning and land use services. The firm conducts due diligence and analysis of development potential and zoning review for lenders, and advises on transfers of development rights and air rights transfers. BBG is experienced in matters involving affordable housing and the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program, and regularly handles variance and special permit applications before the Board of Standards and Appeals. The team also manages rezoning and special permit applications at the City Planning Commission, and assists with requests for favorable Zoning Resolution and Code determinations. In cases of disputes with the Department of Buildings, BBG represents clients in appeals to the Board of Standards and Appeals. The firm also guides clients through the approval process with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and drafts and negotiates licensing, easement, and development agreements. Additionally, BBG represents developers and property owners in negotiating construction license and access agreements, including proceedings under RPAPL 881 when necessary.

Loft Law

With over thirty years of experience handling matters related to New York City’s Loft Law, BBG has a detailed understanding of the law’s development, regulatory framework, and procedural requirements. BBG’s attorneys provide due diligence for property transactions, coverage and protection evaluation, and representation in Loft Board enforcement matters. The team also advises on Loft Agreements in accordance with Multiple Dwelling Law, assists with the Narrative Statement Process, and prepares Letters of No Objection. In addition, BBG offers trial and appeals representation, and negotiates access and protection agreements in support of legalization efforts.

Mortgage Foreclosures

BBG’s mortgage foreclosure practice covers a broad range of services tailored to lenders navigating complex foreclosure matters. The firm handles foreclosure proceedings, ensures legal compliance with New York’s evolving regulations, and applies effective debt collection strategies. BBG also provides representation in cases involving bankruptcy, addresses property redemption issues, resolves title complications, and supports clients through every stage of the foreclosure process.

Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives

The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services that support real estate development through both tax incentive and zoning programs in New York City. On the tax side, the firm advises on programs such as 421-a , 485-x , 467-m , ICAP , J-51 , 420-c , and Article XI , each designed to reduce property tax burdens in exchange for commitments to affordability, rehabilitation, or specific development goals.

On the zoning side, BBG assists clients in leveraging Universal Affordability Preference (UAP) , Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) , and legacy Voluntary Inclusionary Housing (VIH) programs. These zoning incentives allow developers to increase building size or density in exchange for including affordable housing units.

Transactions and Financing

BBG provides real estate transaction and financing services to clients across the United States, bringing over 30 years of national experience to a wide range of matters. The firm advises on acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, development, due diligence, and real estate financing—including mezzanine loans. BBG also handles construction and license agreements, ground leases, joint ventures, and hotel transactions. Its attorneys are experienced in cooperative and condominium matters, including offering plans, conversions, and entity structuring. Additional services include litigation, loan restructuring, foreclosures, and purchase and sale agreements. With a deep understanding of complex market dynamics, BBG delivers cost-effective legal solutions across all asset classes, both in New York City and nationwide.