Introduction
Nicholas Leon represents nonprofit and for-profit developers, institutions, and public housing authorities engaged in real estate, condo-coop, and affordable housing transactions.
My focus
My practice involves assisting developers and housing authorities in their efforts to develop and preserve afforable housing nationwide. In my practice, I manage closings for multifamily and large-scale affordable housing projects. This generally involves the drafting and negotiation of purchase agreements, joint ventures, various loan documents, AIA contracts, license agreements, and legal opinions. Additionally, my experience includes litigating real estate related matters before the Civil and Supreme Courts in Bronx, Manhatthan, and Kings County.
My pro bono work includes facilitating housing development fund corporations with general corporate governance matters and co-op sales in New York City.
Looking ahead
As I continue to build my practice, I’m focused on helping clients navigate the evolving landscape of affordable housing with clarity and confidence. In an environment shaped by shifting regulations, economic pressures, and changing community needs, I make it a priority to stay ahead of industry developments, legislative updates, and financing trends. I aim to deepen my work with developers, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to structure innovative transactions that bring more equitable housing opportunities to the communities that need them most.
In the news
- Affordable Housing Finance
People on the move
July 31, 2025This roundup article of recent moves across the industry includes the NP arrivals of Washington, DC counsel Josh Gold, Chicago associate Isaac Markow, and New York City associates Caroline Caulfield and Nick Leon, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody adds former HUD managing attorney
July 16, 2025The following article covers the NP arrival of Washington, DC Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Josh Gold, who joined NP this week from HUD. Josh is quoted in coverage, discussing what attracted him to NP, and AHRE deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is also quoted. In addition, the coverage highlights several AHRE associates who recently joined the firm: Taheera Randolph of Washington, DC, Isaac Markow of Chicago, and Caroline Caulfield and Nick Leon of New York City.
- Reuters
The Daily Docket
July 16, 2025The following article covers the NP arrival of Washington, DC Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Josh Gold, who joined NP this week from HUD. Josh is quoted in coverage, discussing what attracted him to NP, and AHRE deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is also quoted. In addition, the coverage highlights several AHRE associates who recently joined the firm: Taheera Randolph of Washington, DC, Isaac Markow of Chicago, and Caroline Caulfield and Nick Leon of New York City.
Admitted to practice
New York
Florida
Education
Brooklyn Law School, J.D., Real Estate Law Certificate with Distinction
Florida State University, B.S., cum laude
Professional activities
- Member, New York State Bar Association
Languages
Spanish
Professionals in the Practice Area
View AllChristopher R. Froeb
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Real Estate & Affordable Housing- Boston
- Office:+1 617.345.1137
- cfroeb@nixonpeabody.com
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Colette A. Dafoe
Partner / Industry Strategy Partner- Washington DC
- Office:+1 202.585.8393
- cdafoe@nixonpeabody.com
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Ian T. O'Banion
Partner / AIA / LEED®AP- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8313
- iobanion@nixonpeabody.com
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