2016 Year in Review: Barbara Champoux, Champoux Law Group PLLC

Barbara Champoux, Champoux Law Group

Name & Title: Barbara Champoux, Esq., Principal

Company Name: Champoux Law Group PLLC

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2016?

Representing the world’s largest gem-rating agency in its complex acquisition of significant expansion space in one of NYC’s most contemporary iconic buildings, and its state-of-the-art build-out.  We negotiated a wide range of interesting and challenging issues such as building naming rights, façade signage, tax and zoning lot mergers, impact of core and shell completion delays, unique use approvals, free trade zones, etc.  Due to the exceptional talent and professionalism of the other parties involved, the project was immensely enjoyable to work on, despite numerous difficulties and hurdles.  It was also unique in that most of the key roles and decision-makers were women.    

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

One notable such project is the development of Cornell Tech Campus, an engineering graduate school complex on Roosevelt Island.  The project has provided many industry jobs, and incorporates numerous unique aspects, e.g. skilled women construction workers employed through NEW (Non-traditional employment for women), construction materials barged, leading environmental design elements incorporated, and significant infrastructure expansion.  It should have a transformative effect on the entire City as well, positively impacting NYC’s economy, developing a new business community and workforce, graduating STEM professionals, incubating new businesses and attracting the companies that want to hire and work with them.

How will you be supercharging your productivity in 2017?

Shedding commitments with no reasonable ROI; expanding my network of relationships to include people with fresh ideas, differing perspectives and diverse cultural experiences and careers; carving out time for outside interests and passions; and getting more sleep and exercise.