Six Chosen to New York Metro Super Lawyers List, Six More Selected as “Rising Stars”

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK —Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC has proudly announced that Super Lawyers has recognized 12 attorneys from the Firm for 2019 honors. The 12 attorneys, amounting to nearly two-thirds of the Firm’s Partners and Associates, were recognized in the practice areas of land use and zoning law, real estate law, environmental law, family law, and business and general litigation.

Six attorneys were selected to the 2019 New York Metro Super Lawyers list and six more attorneys from the Firm have been selected to the 2018 New York Metro Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list.

The attorneys recognized as “Super Lawyers” and their respective practice areas are as follows:

• Michael H. Sahn, Managing Member — Land Use/Zoning
• Jon A. Ward, Member — Business Litigation
• Chris J. Coschignano, Member — Land Use/Zoning
• Wayne G. Edwards, Partner — Land Use/Zoning
• Andrew M. Roth, Partner — Business Litigation
• Miriam E. Villani, Partner — Environmental

The attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” and their respective practice areas are as follows:

• Adam H. Koblenz, Member — General Litigation
• Joseph R. Bjarnson, Partner — Business Litigation
• Elaine M. Colavito, Partner — Family Law
• Matthew C. McCann, Associate — Business Litigation
• Joshua D. Brookstein, Associate — General Litigation
• Nicholas J. Cappadora, Associate — Land Use/Zoning

“It is an honor to be named personally, but much more important is the credit and honor to the Firm to have so many of our attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers,” said Michael Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Member. “We are very pleased and gratified. This recognition reflects the outstanding and talented lawyers who serve our clients.”

The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html. No aspect of this release has been approved by the Courts of the State of New York.

For more information about Sahn Ward Coschignano, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

Photos of the attorneys can be downloaded by clicking here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Wmgvz3nL2sKdwkvQyI8lUtpx40bYc6Vs

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About Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC

Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC is one of the region’s most highly regarded and recognized law firms. The firm is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality representation, counsel, and advice. Practice areas include zoning and land use; real estate law and transactions; litigation and appeals; municipal law and legislative practice; cellular and telecommunications law; environmental, corporate, labor and employment law; tax certiorari and condemnation; matrimonial practice; and estate planning. The firm strives to assist its clients in a wide array of issues, serving them with skill and experience, resourcefulness, and responsibility. For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

 

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC (SWC) has announced that Joseph D. Brees has joined the Firm as a new Associate. Mr. Brees will concentrate his practice in litigation and appeals, including commercial and corporate litigation, and real estate law and transactions.

Mr. Brees earned his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Binghamton (B.A., 2015), cum laude, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (“Maryland Law”) (J.D., 2018). While attending Maryland Law, Mr. Brees interned for the Honorable W. Michel Pierson, Circuit Administrative Judge of the Baltimore City Circuit Court. He also performed pro bono work for Maryland Law’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.

Mr. Brees also served as a Staff Editor, Executive Articles Editor, and Member of the Editorial Board of the University of Maryland Journal of Business & Technology Law. He is the author of Trade Secrets Go Federal – Parade to Follow, 12 J. BUS. & TECH. L. 277 (2017), which analyzes the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 and its impact on the U.S. economy.

Mr. Brees is admitted to practice in the State of New York.

“We welcome Joseph to the Firm,” said Firm Member Adam H. Koblenz. “Joseph is dedicated, bright and is quickly developing into a big asset to our clients and our growing practice.”

For more information about Sahn Ward Coschignano, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

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About Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC

Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC is one of the region’s most highly regarded and recognized law firms. The firm is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality representation, counsel, and advice. Practice areas include zoning and land use; real estate law and transactions; litigation and appeals; municipal law and legislative practice; cellular and telecommunications law; environmental, corporate, labor and employment law; tax certiorari and condemnation; matrimonial practice; and estate planning. The firm strives to assist its clients in a wide array of issues, serving them with skill and experience, resourcefulness, and responsibility. For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC (SWC) has announced that Thomas C. Haberlack has joined the Firm as Counsel. Mr. Haberlack concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning and administration, trusts and elder law.

Mr. Haberlack is admitted to practice law in the State of New York. He is a member of the Surrogate’s Court Estates & Trusts Committee and the Elder Law Social Services and Health Advocacy Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law.

“We welcome Mr. Haberlack to the Firm,” said Michael H. Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Member. “Tom has extensive experience and knowledge, and our clients are benefitting from his guidance and counsel.”

“I am excited to be a part of Sahn Ward,” Mr. Haberlack said. “I look forward to working with the Firm’s clients to help them address their estate planning and elder law needs.”

In addition to serving as Counsel with the Firm, Mr. Haberlack continues to serve as principal of his own firm, Law Office of Thomas C. Haberlack, P.C. in Garden City.

For more information about Sahn Ward Coschignano, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

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About Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC

Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC is one of the region’s most highly regarded and recognized law firms. The firm is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality representation, counsel, and advice. Practice areas include zoning and land use; real estate law and transactions; litigation and appeals; municipal law and legislative practice; cellular and telecommunications law; environmental, corporate, labor and employment law; tax certiorari and condemnation; matrimonial practice; and estate planning. The firm strives to assist its clients in a wide array of issues, serving them with skill and experience, resourcefulness, and responsibility. For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

Ruling Calls into Question Legality of Restrictions Posed on Thousands of Homeowners by Municipalities

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC (SWC) has announced that Christian Browne, a Member and Partner with the Firm, successfully represented a homeowner before the Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals. The Firm’s client sought to annul a condition to a variance granted by the Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals that required one unit of a two-family home to be “owner-occupied.”

The property that was the subject of the variance application is known as 1541 Bellmore Road in Bellmore. The Board had originally granted a variance to allow the dwelling to be used as a two-family house on April 25, 1956. However, because of a failure of a former owner to file “variance renewal” paperwork with the Town, the two-family variance grant lapsed in 1996. Nonetheless, the house remained a two-family dwelling.

In 2017, Kenneth Sullivan, the house’s now owner and the Firm’s client, filed an application with the Board, seeking to revive the lapsed variance and re-legalize the house as a two-family dwelling. On June 18, 2018, the Board approved Mr. Sullivan’s application, but imposed several conditions, including a condition requiring that the property owner live in one of the two units in the dwelling.

Mr. Browne argued that the “owner-occupied” condition is illegal and unenforceable because a zoning board is not permitted to regulate whouses or owns a property, but only howsuch property is used. On December 10, 2018, Denise L. Sher, Associate Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Nassau County, agreed and annulled the condition, holding that the condition is illegal because it pertains to “who owns and occupies the subject premises and not the real estate itself. Conditions which relate not to the real estate involved, but to the person who owns and occupies the subject real estate, are invalid.”

“The Court applied the law properly and we are pleased with the outcome,” Mr. Browne said. “A zoning board may only regulate the use of land, and not by whom it is used. Thus, this ruling calls into question the legality of these kinds of conditions that are commonly imposed on homeowners, not only in the Town of Hempstead, but by municipalities throughout the region.”

For more information about Sahn Ward Coschignano, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC has announced that the Firm successfully represented Peloton in securing a special permit from the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for a new fitness facility dedicated to treadmill-based workouts.

On April 10, 2018, the Firm secured a special permit from the BSA for a new fitness facility located at the corner of Greenwich Street and Christopher Street in the West Village. Peloton’s new location will comprise approximately 12,500 square feet and will house two production studios where it will livestream its new treadmill classes.

The facility is deemed a Physical Culture Establishment under the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York, and requires a special permit from the BSA. The local community board unanimously supported Peloton’s application, and the Firm was able to obtain the special permit in just over seven months.

The matter was handled by Daniel H. Braff, a Member and Partner of the Firm’s New York City Land Use and Development practice. He concentrates his practice in zoning and land use planning, real estate, environmental and corporate law, with a particular emphasis on regulations governing the use and development of real property within New York City.

He provides zoning analyses, counsels clients in connection with development rights transfers (also known as “air rights”), advises on environmental matters, and represents clients before various city agencies, including the BSA, the City Planning Commission, the Department of Buildings and the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC has announced that The Honorable Edward McCabe, Senior Counsel with the Firm, will be honored by the Nassau County Bar Association at the Association’s 119th Annual Dinner Dance on May 12 at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. Justice McCabe will be recognized for his 60 years in the practice of law.

The Judge began his legal career in private practice, and then served as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney from 1967 to 1970. In 1970, the Judge became Law Clerk for the late Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Bernard Thompson. From 1971 to 1978, he served at the Town of North Hempstead, first as an Executive Assistant to the Supervisor and later as Town Attorney. After serving as Town Attorney, Justice McCabe joined Nassau County as County Attorney.

As County Attorney, Justice McCabe served as Counsel to the County Executive and to the county commissioners and department heads. He also managed the office that was responsible for all the County’s contracts, litigation, real estate, workers’ compensation and general municipal matters. In addition, he served on the Traffic Safety and Youth Boards.

Justice McCabe was elected Nassau County Supreme Court Justice in 1985 and re-elected in 1999. During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice McCabe also served for six years as the Administrative Judge of the Nassau County court system. As Administrative Judge, he consulted with the District Attorney to bring a Community Court to Nassau County. In addition, he instituted new programs in the Courts, including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Differentiated Case Management, Early Neutral Evaluation (for matrimonial actions) and established a Commercial Division in Nassau County Supreme Court. After serving as Administrative Judge, he was appointed as Presiding Justice of the Appellate Term of the New York State Supreme Court for the Second Judicial Department, Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts.

Justice McCabe instituted numerous programs in the Courts in conjunction with the Association for the Help of Retarded Children’s Next Step Program, including a Court floral beautification program and a Law Library project. He also introduced a mammography screening program for prospective jurors with the help of 1 in 9, the Long Island Breast Cancer Coalition and the Nassau County Department of Health, a prostate screening program, and a Juror Blood Donation Program. Jurors summoned to jury duty in Nassau County participated in these programs while serving in the courthouse.

He also served on the Unified Court System’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee of Torts and Education for Judges and Lawyers, the Committee to Promote Public Trust and Confidence in the Court System and the Nassau County Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts. He was named Man of the Year by the Long Beach Lawyers’ Association, the Court Officers’ Benevolent Association and the Fraternal Order of Court Officers.

As an active member of the Firm, Justice McCabe counsels the Firm’s clients, works closely with the attorneys in the Firm, and also mentors the young lawyers in the Firm. Justice McCabe also serves as an arbitrator and mediator and served as the Director of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Hofstra University.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Bar Association,” Justice McCabe said. “I am proud of my service to Nassau County and look forward to continuing to make contributions to the Firm and the Bar.”

“We congratulate Justice McCabe on being recognized for his sixty years as an attorney, a judge and a mentor,” said Michael Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Partner. “It is an honor having someone with his extensive experience in government and in the courtroom as a member of the Firm.”

For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

Firm Partner John Farrell Will Head Hauppauge Office

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC has announced that the Firm has opened a new office in Suffolk County, located at 1300 Veterans Highway, Suite 100 in Hauppauge. The new office reflects the Firm’s growth and experience in Suffolk County.

John Farrell, a Partner with the Firm, will supervise the office. Mr. Farrell concentrates his practice in the areas of zoning and land use planning, real estate transactions, environmental law, litigation and appeals, and municipal law and legislative practice. He represents developers, property owners and franchisees in land use approval cases, municipal litigation and real estate transactions.

This is the Firm’s third location. Sahn Ward Coschignano has its main office in Uniondale and an office in New York City.

“We are proud to open our Hauppauge office,” said Michael Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Partner. “This new office will help us better serve our existing Suffolk County clients and also allow us to represent more clients in Suffolk. John Farrell’s knowledge of Suffolk County, and the fact that he resides in Babylon, makes a perfect fit for a Suffolk office. We also have other attorneys and staff who live in Suffolk, so working in Hauppauge will be very convenient.”

For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

Will Lead the Firm’s Corporate and Securities Practice

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK — Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC is proud to announce that Kyle Lawrence has joined the Firm as Counsel. He concentrates his practice in corporate and securities law, as well as real estate law and transactions. He will take a leading role in the Firm’s growing Corporate and Securities Practice.

As an experienced corporate and business law attorney, Mr. Lawrence advises clients on all types of corporate transactions, including private placements, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate finance, business planning and strategies, licensing, manufacturing, supply and distribution agreements. He serves as lead counsel to a wide range of longstanding business ventures and entities, as well as numerous entrepreneurial endeavors. He also serves as outside general counsel to various privately owned companies, for whom he provides advice and guidance on all aspects of day-to-day corporate and business matters.

Mr. Lawrence represents clients in a wide range of industries, including food and nutraceutical manufacturing and distribution, restaurants, emerging technologies, retail, light manufacturing, lending, architecture and software development. He also advises private issuers and principals with respect to fund formation, operations, and compliance matters in his active private equity practice.

The Firm’s Corporate and Securities Practice represents established, privately held businesses, as well as newly formed and emerging early- and growth-stage companies. The Firm’s corporate law clients include regional and national businesses, real estate ventures, manufacturing companies, professional services firms, software development and emerging technology companies, franchises, and charitable and not-for-profit entities.

Mr. Lawrence is admitted to practice in the State of New York and before the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department. He is also a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Nassau County Bar Association. In addition, he is a Founding Member of the Hydra Collective, a professional networking organization created by and for the next generation of leaders in their respective fields. He also volunteers his time with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Mauro Foundation.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Tulane University in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law from Hofstra University in 2006.

“I am excited to join the Firm and become a part of this growing practice,” Mr. Lawrence said. “I am looking forward to working with the Firm’s growing roster of clients and providing them with the necessary guidance in complex corporate transactions.”

“We welcome Kyle to the Firm,” said Michael Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Partner. “His knowledge and experience in corporate and securities law will be a tremendous resource to the Firm’s clients.”

For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.

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About Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC

Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC is one of the region’s most highly regarded and recognized law firms. The firm is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality representation, counsel, and advice. Practice areas include zoning and land use; real estate law and transactions; litigation and appeals; municipal law and legislative practice; cellular and telecommunications law; environmental, corporate, labor and employment law; tax certiorari and condemnation; matrimonial practice; and estate planning. The firm strives to assist its clients in a wide array of issues, serving them with skill and experience, resourcefulness, and responsibility. For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.swc-law.com.