Laura Mehl Sugarman

What do you focus on?

I represent developers, lenders, landlords, tenants, and investors in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, in New York, nationally, and globally. I am passionate about finding creative, cost-effective solutions for my clients through all aspects of a real estate transaction.

Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Financing

I represent sponsors and developers in the acquisition and disposition of multifamily, commercial, industrial, and residential properties. My work has spanned many states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Florida, and Virginia, as well as international locations such as Anguilla, Tbilisi, and Israel. I assist my clients in structuring and negotiating financing arrangements with government-sponsored entities, private equity investors, and conventional banks. I also represent lenders in the financing of real estate, including multifamily, condominiums, cooperatives, residential, and commercial properties.

I am experienced in the acquisition and disposition of air rights in New York. I also guide not-for-profit institutions through the Charities Bureau and/or the New York State Supreme Court in connection with the disposition of assets.

Condominiums and Cooperatives

I represent my developer clients on all aspects of the conversion of residential and commercial properties to cooperative and condominium status. I draft offering plans and amendments for new construction and conversion projects, which may include mixed-use properties, affordable components, and complex timeshare plans for hospitality properties. I also represent landlords and nonprofit organizations in the creation of leasehold condominiums state-wide, including the creation of project documents and the no-action filings to the New York Attorney General’s Office.

Previous Experience

I previously served as assistant counsel at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. In this role, I represented New York City in associated matters, including negotiations with developers, concession agreements, and contract negotiations for public-private partnerships.

What do you see on the horizon?

I see developers, landlords, and tenants becoming ever more strategic with respect to organizational structures and tax planning in their transactions. Not-for-profits large and small are taking long-term leases with their eyes on creating leasehold condominiums, as businesses attempt to return to a sense of normalcy and plan for the future.

Multifamily transactions are ubiquitous in many markets right now, and despite the current shortage of construction materials and skilled labor, I think the market will continue to be active for the foreseeable future. Demand for public open spaces continues to soar as the pandemic lingers, and this will affect the shape of real estate going forward, both on a regulatory level and from a physical, building-design perspective.

Locally, the condominium market has made great strides toward recovery, within New York City and its surrounding suburbs. Sales continue to surge as developers repurpose or acquire new properties. I stand ready to assist my clients in taking advantage of the market’s revival.

Presentations

• “The Condominium in Affordable Housing Transactions,” NYSAFAH's 2022 Annual New York State Affordable Housing Conference, May 18, 2022 (Panelist)
• “Commercial Leasing,” 23rd Annual Commercial Real Estate Institute, Practicing Law Institute (PLI), November 2021 (Panelist)
• “Commercial Leasing,” 22nd Annual Commercial Real Estate Institute, Practicing Law Institute (PLI), November 2020 (Panelist)
• “Commercial Leasing,” 21st Annual Commercial Real Estate Institute, Practicing Law Institute (PLI), November 2019 (Panelist)