New York City Commercial Real Estate Attorney

Navigating New York City’s commercial real estate market requires more than just ambition. It takes strategy, timing, and most importantly, the right legal partner. Whether you’re leasing a storefront in SoHo, purchasing an office building in Midtown, or developing a new mixed-use space in Brooklyn, every transaction is a high-stakes endeavor. One misstep in a contract or delay in a regulatory filing can result in lost opportunities or costly litigation.

That’s where experienced legal counsel comes in. A skilled commercial real estate attorney doesn’t just protect your interests—they help you make smarter, faster decisions that align with your business goals. At the Fridman Law Firm, we understand that in NYC real estate, time is money—and clarity is power.

What Makes the Fridman Law Firm Different

Legal support should be more than reactive. At the Fridman Law Firm, we work side-by-side with our clients to anticipate issues before they arise, structure deals with precision, and negotiate with the endgame in mind.

A Business-Centric Legal Approach

Our team doesn’t just know the law—they understand how deals get done in New York. We take a business-savvy approach, helping clients weigh legal risk against commercial reward. We know your time is limited, so our advice is clear, actionable, and designed to support growth.

Personalized Service and Senior-Level Attention

You won’t be passed off to junior staff. Every matter receives senior-level attention. Our lawyers build long-term relationships, which means we understand your business model, your risk tolerance, and your goals from day one.

Built for Speed and Scale

From your first lease to your next acquisition, our flexible support model evolves as your needs change. Whether you’re expanding rapidly or planning a major exit, we help you navigate NYC’s commercial real estate terrain without delays or distractions.

Key Legal Services for Commercial Real Estate Clients

Navigating New York City’s commercial real estate market demands more than just legal knowledge—it requires proactive strategy, industry fluency, and real-time responsiveness. At the Fridman Law Firm, our legal services are designed to address the full scope of challenges and opportunities that come with owning, leasing, developing, or investing in commercial property. Our approach is built to anticipate complexity and simplify decision-making.

Comprehensive Deal Structuring

Every deal starts with a structure that supports your business objectives. We help you assess risk, align investor expectations, and map out contingencies that protect your downside without limiting your upside. Whether you’re forming a joint venture, partnering on a development, or investing in a long-term asset, we craft agreements that reflect your goals and protect your position.

We also take the lead on negotiation strategy—framing offers, clarifying responsibilities, and ironing out ambiguities that often lead to future conflict.

Transactional Support: Leases, Purchases, and Sales

From retail storefronts to Class A office space, we handle the full legal lifecycle of commercial property transactions. This includes:

• Drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements
• Preparing and reviewing commercial lease terms
• Managing due diligence, inspections, and compliance obligations
• Coordinating closing logistics and post-deal requirements

We ensure the paperwork reflects the deal you intended—not just boilerplate terms that benefit the other side.

Title, Zoning, and Regulatory Clarity

Clean title and regulatory approval are non-negotiable. We review title commitments, flag encumbrances, and coordinate with title companies to address any gaps before they derail your timeline. We also advise on zoning, land use, and permitting—especially critical in neighborhoods undergoing rezoning or subject to landmark restrictions.

By clearing legal roadblocks early, we help you stay focused on executing your vision and maximizing return on investment.

Commercial Leasing in NYC: High Stakes, High Complexity

Signing a commercial lease in New York City is never a simple transaction. The terms you agree to today will shape how your business operates, grows, and responds to change for years to come. With high rents, dense regulations, and complex landlord relationships, the need for precise legal support has never been greater. At the Fridman Law Firm, we help you make smart leasing decisions that support your business now and into the future.

Key Terms to Watch

A strong lease starts with clarity. We review and negotiate all core provisions, including:

• Base rent and escalation structures
• Common area maintenance (CAM) and pass-through costs
• Renewal rights and notice requirements
• Personal guarantees and security deposit terms
• Termination rights and default penalties

Landlords often present heavily one-sided agreements. Our job is to push back where needed, clarify obligations, and negotiate terms that reflect your goals—not just theirs.

Subleases, Assignments, and Built-In Flexibility

Your business won’t stand still—your lease shouldn’t either. We build in flexibility so you can grow, adapt, or exit on your terms. This includes:

• Sublease and assignment rights with minimal restrictions
• Expansion and contraction options tied to business milestones
• Early termination clauses where feasible

If your company pivots or scales faster than expected, these negotiated provisions can be the difference between opportunity and a financial anchor.

Custom Leasing Strategies for Every Stage

Startups need room to grow. Established businesses need consistency. Multi-location brands need centralized oversight. We shape lease strategies around your trajectory—not just your square footage.

Our team advises on space planning, lease stacking, co-working agreements, and more. The goal: ensure your physical footprint keeps pace with your vision.

Real Estate Transactions: From Offer to Closing

In New York City, buying or selling commercial property isn’t just a financial commitment—it’s a strategic move that affects your operations, finances, and growth trajectory. These deals are often fast-moving, multi-layered, and subject to intense scrutiny. Having legal support that understands both the local landscape and the high-level strategy is essential to closing with confidence.

Managing Every Step With Precision

Real estate deals involve more than signatures. We guide you from the initial offer through due diligence, contract negotiation, and final closing. We draft and review term sheets, letters of intent, and purchase agreements that clearly define rights, responsibilities, and timelines—removing ambiguity and protecting your leverage.

We also assist with negotiation strategy, helping you prioritize what matters most: pricing, contingencies, exclusivity, or flexibility. Whether you’re buying a mixed-use property or selling a key asset, we help position your deal for success from day one.

Due Diligence That Goes Beyond the Checklist

A thorough due diligence process can be the difference between a clean transaction and years of unexpected costs. We conduct title and survey reviews, analyze zoning and land use compliance, and evaluate any existing lease or tenant obligations.

We also work closely with your brokers, lenders, and financial advisors to coordinate timelines and documentation. Our goal is to uncover and resolve issues before they impact your deal.

Built-In Protections and Strategic Flexibility

We incorporate critical contingencies into every contract—from financing and inspection periods to environmental and appraisal clauses. These safeguards give you time to investigate, pivot, or walk away if needed, without penalty.

Our team also anticipates post-closing needs, such as escrow agreements, easement rights, or title endorsements. Every element is handled with attention to detail and your long-term goals in mind.

Seamless Closings, No Loose Ends

As you approach closing, the final steps can feel overwhelming. We take care of the heavy lifting—coordinating title insurance, drafting closing statements, calculating transfer taxes, and preparing final documentation. Our involvement means fewer delays, fewer surprises, and a deal that moves at the speed of business.

Development Projects and Legal Strategy

Turning a vision into a finished property in New York City requires more than vision and capital. Every development project must pass through a complex legal ecosystem—one that includes city agencies, community stakeholders, and regulatory requirements that evolve at every phase. Success depends on strategic legal planning from the very beginning.

Guidance at Every Stage of Development

We partner with developers from site acquisition through project launch. Whether you’re assembling parcels for a large-scale build or repositioning an existing asset, we help structure deals, draft joint venture agreements, and secure financing that aligns with your goals.

Our work continues through construction, where we advise on contracts with architects, contractors, and consultants. We assist in drafting purchase and sale agreements, managing risk allocation, and resolving issues that can derail timelines or budgets.

Coordinating With City Agencies

Permitting delays and compliance issues can stall even the most promising project. We work closely with agencies like the Department of Buildings (DOB), Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the Landmarks Preservation Commission to keep your timeline on track.

Our team helps you:

• Understand local zoning and land use rules
• Secure variances or special permits when needed
• Respond to agency feedback and resolve compliance questions

Structuring With Precision

Many NYC developments involve multiple stakeholders: investors, limited partners, contractors, and lenders. We help you manage this complexity with operating agreements that outline clear responsibilities and profit-sharing structures.

When disputes arise between stakeholders, we serve as intermediaries to preserve relationships and keep the project moving. Our goal is always the same—protect your interests while building momentum toward completion.

Dispute Prevention and Resolution

In New York City’s fast-moving commercial real estate market, disputes can arise quickly—and escalate just as fast. The key to protecting your investment and maintaining momentum is a legal strategy focused on both prevention and resolution. At the Fridman Law Firm, we help clients anticipate points of friction and take proactive steps to avoid costly breakdowns.

Identifying Risk Before It Becomes a Problem

Many disputes begin with small misunderstandings—ambiguous lease language, overlooked zoning rules, or incomplete scopes of work. We work with clients to identify potential red flags before they become legal battles. By conducting detailed contract reviews and offering strategic deal structuring, we help lay a foundation for clarity from day one.

Frequent Flashpoints in NYC Real Estate

Disputes most often stem from:

• Lease violations and enforcement issues
• Construction and renovation delays
• Disputes with contractors, vendors, or co-tenants
• Boundary, access, or title defects

Because we know the local landscape, we’re able to quickly diagnose where a disagreement is likely to emerge and provide contractual solutions that limit exposure.

Resolution That Prioritizes Business Continuity

When disagreements do surface, our goal is to keep your operations moving. We represent clients in direct negotiations, formal mediations, and—when unavoidable—litigation. We prioritize swift, effective outcomes over drawn-out disputes, allowing you to refocus on growth.

We understand that for many clients, a courtroom is the last place they want to be. That’s why we emphasize practical solutions—resolving disputes through smart structuring, clear communication, and when needed, confident advocacy.

Clients We Serve

Every commercial real estate deal is different—but the need for strategic legal guidance is constant. Our clients span a wide spectrum of industries and experience levels, but they all rely on us to deliver legal solutions that align with business realities. At the Fridman Law Firm, we tailor our services to meet each client where they are and help them move forward with clarity.

Startups and Growing Companies

Emerging businesses often face real estate decisions with long-term impact. Whether you’re leasing a shared office or securing your first brick-and-mortar location, you need counsel that protects your downside while preserving your upside. We help early-stage clients:

• Negotiate favorable lease terms that allow for future growth
• Navigate landlord concessions and tenant improvement allowances
• Address zoning, signage, and usage restrictions upfront

Our team understands the fast-paced nature of startup operations and offers proactive support to avoid missteps.

Landlords and Property Owners

We partner with landlords to keep their assets performing smoothly. This means:

• Drafting and negotiating lease agreements tailored to asset class and tenant profile
• Managing tenant compliance and enforcing lease provisions
• Advising on rent escalations, renewal negotiations, and early terminations

Whether you manage a single building or a portfolio of properties, we streamline your leasing process and reduce friction.

Developers and Investors

Complex projects require coordinated legal execution. We support real estate developers and investors throughout the project lifecycle by:

• Structuring acquisition and joint venture deals
• Conducting thorough due diligence and title review
• Handling construction agreements and land use issues

From repositioning existing assets to ground-up development, we provide guidance that supports long-term profitability.

Start the Conversation: Why Legal Partnership Matters

In a city where square footage is power and timing is everything, having the right legal partner makes a measurable difference. Commercial real estate is too complex—and too expensive—to navigate without experienced counsel by your side.

When to Engage a Commercial Real Estate Attorney

The sooner, the better. Early legal input helps you avoid costly revisions, delays, or exposure down the road. Whether you’re evaluating a lease, considering a purchase, or launching a development, legal strategy should be part of the plan from day one.

Need Real Estate Help? Contact the Fridman Law Firm Today

We don’t just draft documents—we drive deals forward. Our team combines legal precision with real-world insight, helping clients close with confidence, negotiate from strength, and build with clarity. If you’re looking for a legal partner who aligns with your pace and priorities, let’s talk.

Reach out to the Fridman Law Firm today to schedule a strategy session and learn how we can help you move forward in New York City commercial real estate with clarity and confidence.

Related Pages

• New York Commercial Real Estate Development Lawyer
• New York Commercial Real Estate Lease Lawyer
• New York Corporate Real Estate Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions