2017 Women in Professional Services: Judy Simoncic of Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana, LLP

Name: Judy Simoncic

Title: Partner

Company Name: Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana, LLP 

Years in real estate: 25

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? LIREG (Long Island Real Estate Group), Vision Long Island (Board of Directors)

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career? In land use and zoning, the most frequent obstacle to overcome is dealing with community opposition. Preparation and hard work, including anticipating issues and questions that may arise, has been a key to my success. Treating civic associations and nearby residents with respect and really listening to their concerns is more effective than strong-arm tactics. I find working together and compromise on both sides results in satisfaction for everyone and ultimately a better project. 

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? Diligence and perseverance, combined with the ability to build relationships, are a powerful combination when trying to present any zoning applications. Having 25 years of experience helps me understand the legal standards which need to be met as well as knowing the specific municipality and its focus. My experience also helps me walk the fine line between strongly advocating for my client and pushing too hard. Pushing a project to completion is the ultimate goal and I never lose sight of that.

What do you do for fun? I enjoy mountain-biking, skiing, and anything having to do with the beach and the water. 

Judy Lynn Simoncic (Hofstra University School of Law, 1992) started her legal career working in the Oyster Bay town attorney’s office before joining the firm in 1992. She became the first woman named partner by the firm in 2003. Simoncic concentrates her practice in the areas of zoning, land use, environmental, municipal, and real estate law. She represents national franchises, Fortune 500 companies, national corporations, large real estate development companies as well as individual real estate developers in the development of both residential and commercial properties throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. She regularly appears on behalf of her clients before municipal boards on a diversity of zoning applications such as variances, special use permits, change of zones, site plan approval, and major and minor subdivisions. She has secured zoning approvals for senior housing projects, retail and office complexes, multiple dwelling projects, planned unit developments, assisted living facilities, equestrian facilities, public storage facilities, fitness clubs, public utility facilities, restaurant franchises, among others. 

Her skills in land use and zoning matters have impacted a number of pivotal projects on Long Island, including the subdivision of the former Northrop Grumman Corp. campus involving 700 acres in Bethpage, the subdivision and redevelopment of 65 acres of The Long Island Home/South Oaks Hospital Campus property in Massapequa, the subdivision of 108 acres known as the former Winthrop Estate in the Village of Old Westbury and the subdivision and preservation of the Smither’s Estate in Mill Neck. She also represents clients in a variety of litigation matters including Article 78 Proceedings and District Court proceedings relating to zoning matters.

She was listed in Long Island Business News’ “Who’s Who in Women in Professional Services.” In 2011, she was appointed to the Options for Living Inc. Board of Directors. In 2016, she was appointed to the Board of Vision Long Island. She was named a “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business,” by Long Island Business News (2015) and a New York SuperLawyer (2016). Most recently, she was honored by Hofstra University with the “Outstanding Women in Law’ award.