2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Kara Rakowski, Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

Recent goal and impact: 

For several years, it was a goal of Rakowski’s to expand our firm’s affordable housing practice to incorporate lawyers with a particular expertise in tax exemptions and zoning incentives. This goal finally came to fruition in late March of 2025, with Belkin Burden Goldman’s (BBG) hiring of five highly qualified attorneys in this space, two partners and three associates, to create our real estate tax exemptions and zoning incentives department. The addition of these attorneys, with such a distinct and unique skillset and expertise, will ensure that BBG is the go-to law firm for real estate developers seeking to maximize tax benefits and housing incentives. Notably, two of the five new attorneys will be Kara’s direct reports, which will allow her to contribute to their development and integration into the Firm.

Turning problems into opportunities: 

For years, BBG has counseled clients on various tax abatement programs and affordable housing issues but often needed to refer the filings to outside counsel. Rakowski acknowledged this as a void in BBG’s operations, since this led to a lot of work being referred to outside of the firm. With the onboarding of the attorneys who are the premier experts in this space, BBG can now provide all services to our clients under one roof.

Best advice for new leaders: 

Never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to let those who you supervise, or mentor, know the importance of continuous improvement. 

Sharing knowledge and expertise:

Rakowski is the Co-Chair of BBG’s Administrative Department and directly supervises fifteen attorneys and two legal assistants. Additionally, she regularly presents private seminars to clients of the firm and to industry groups across New York City.

Giving Back: 

Rakowski is legal advisor to New York Apartment Association (NYAA) and The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), and presents seminars regularly at both organizations, along with advising their executive boards on issues related to housing, anti-discrimination and rent regulation. Kara also teaches REBNY’s continuing education class on rent regulation.