Bernstein joins Venable as counsel in N.Y.C. office

New York, NY Venable LLP has further deepened its New York real estate practice with the announcement that experienced real estate regulatory and transaction attorney Daniel Bernstein has joined the firm as counsel in the New York office. Bernstein arrives from Seiden & Schein, PC, where he handled a wide range of matters involving major New York City residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. He counsels developers on obtaining economic incentives for projects, including Section 421-a and 420-c tax exemptions for new housing, ICAP tax abatements for commercial development, and development rights bonuses under the Inclusionary Housing program.  Those specialties have become especially important in the last several years, amid a call for more affordable housing options by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. Bernstein frequently works with New York government and regulatory agencies, including NYC Housing Preservation & Development and the Department of Finance and Department of Small Business Services. “New York real estate developers must be constantly on top of the ever-changing laws and regulations that govern projects in the city and state,” said Peter Koffler, chair of Venable’s New York Real Estate Practice and vice chair of the National Practice. “The incentives and financing available make new projects and the preservation of existing housing stock financially viable. Daniel has the experience to help developers navigate these critical issues in order to build and preserve the city.” Mr. Bernstein advises clients on New York real property assessment and taxation issues, and regularly handles condominium declarations, as well as acquisition, financing, and leasing of residential and commercial properties. “Venable has an impressive urban development practice, handling major gateway projects with government and education clients whose work is shaping the city,” Mr. Bernstein said. “The firm’s exemplary work has been integral to the success of such high-profile projects as the development of Lincoln Center, expansion of the American Museum of Natural History, and rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. Venable’s Real Estate practice provides an excellent platform for me to grow my practice and will no doubt continue to offer top-level counsel to clients on New York City’s most significant real estate projects.” Bernstein received his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York and his B.A. in Philosophy cum laude from Carleton College. Venable’s real estate practice numbers more than 70 attorneys who represent owners, developers, private equity funds, pension funds, tenants, and operators of all types of real estate. Venable advises clients on real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures; financings, design, and construction; zoning and land use, leasing, and property management; and development and economic incentives.