2021 Ones to Watch: Sean Leyden, Garfunkel Wild, P.C.

Name: Sean Leyden

Title: Partner/Director, Chairman of the Real Estate Department

Company Name: Garfunkel Wild, P.C.

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:
I am a member of the New York and Connecticut Bar Associations and the American Health Lawyers Association.

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
During the late spring of 2020, I represented a healthcare system in the acquisition of an adjacent former educational facility on Long Island. The deal was consummated and closed during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in NY, bringing on unique challenges, including the need for court approval when the state courts were not in session due to the crisis. The timing of the transaction was also critical as the healthcare system was in immediate need of additional facilities for parking, storage and potential clinical uses as a result of the surge in patient volume. Being able to negotiate and coordinate the acquisition of this property for the healthcare system was very gratifying during an otherwise difficult time.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
It was very important over the last year to have an open line of communication with our team to understand each member’s particular issues during these unprecedented times. Working together as a team and understanding these difficulties allowed us to utilize members in ways that acknowledged their working conditions, whether it was attending to ill family members, child care concerns or home schooling issues. Allowing flexibility in the type and timing of work projects hopefully made our team understand that we were concerned about their well-being and valued their contribution to the firm. Knowing your work effort is valued and appreciated is a strong motivational tool.