2021 Year in Review: David Levy, Lester Bleckner & Shaw LLP

Name: David Levy

Job Title: Senior Associate

Company Name: Lester Bleckner & Shaw LLP

What are your predictions for your industry in 2022?
More action. We are a full-service real estate firm, launched with the idea that being a “one-stop shop” would enable us to best serve and counsel our clients. Given the depth and breadth of Lester Bleckner & Shaw LLP’s practice, we have a good window into various aspects of real estate – from new development to re-sale, from leasing to acquisitions and dispositions, and from financing to negotiating JV’s. All indicators are suggesting that the frenzy of activity in 2021 will continue into the new year.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic?
Never underestimate the ability and necessity to adapt. This was apparent in at least three ways. First, as we all know, changing our actual work environment and learning to work remotely–both efficiently and effectively. Second, on the business side, seeing our clients shift strategies and react to the unprecedented realities at hand. Depending on our clients’ footings, some were in survival mode while others were seeking opportunities in the new landscape. Finally, at Lester Bleckner & Shaw LLP, we adapted on the legal side too, as we were counseling our clients and participating closely in their decision-making process.

How has your working environment changed over the last year?
My actual work environment in 2021 looks much as it did for the last nine months of 2020, as I’ve continued working from home. The main difference is that, when beneficial, we have the ability to head to the office when something would be best handled in person. But for the most part, it’s been conferences calls and Zoom meetings. Lester Bleckner & Shaw LLP has been incredibly supportive of that flexible approach, as we have collectively ensured that although our work environment has changed, the quality of our work product and responsiveness to client needs remain stellar.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2021?
Can I pick two? We assisted with the launch of Ryan Serhant’s new real estate brokerage firm, SERHANT., including negotiating a lease for a building in SoHo that serves as the company’s headquarters. It was both exciting and challenging to help close that deal. The other was helping an on-demand grocery delivery company enter the U.S. market by negotiating many leases across the country. Both projects highlighted Lester Bleckner & Shaw LLP’s strengths and expertise in real estate. We creatively approached these assignments by understanding the market and our clients’ needs, helping them execute on their business plans.