Hirschen Singer & Epstein elevates Stark to partner

Manhattan, NY Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP (HSE) has elevated Benjamin Stark to partner. Stark focuses his practice on zoning and land use law and has been an integral part of the firm’s ability to serve clients navigating New York City’s complex regulatory landscape.

“In 13 years of practice, Ben has distinguished himself as one of the most creative and tenacious land use attorneys in the city, and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome him to the partnership,” said Oliver Chase, partner at HSE.

“I’m very appreciative of the recognition from HSE’s leadership, in elevating me to partner,” said Stark. “The firm is, top to bottom, a group of rock star real estate attorneys with diverse skill sets and a shared commitment to achieving our clients’ objectives. This has been a great experience – I learn every day from my colleagues and appreciate the continued opportunity to bring my own perspective to the collective strength we bring to our clients’ matters.”

Stark advises clients in zoning-related due diligence and transactional matters, and regularly counsels and represents clients before the New York City Department of City Planning, City Planning Commission, and City Council, as well as the Board of Standards and Appeals and Department of Buildings. He has extensive experience obtaining discretionary land use approvals, including zoning text and map changes, authorizations, certifications, variances, and special permits. He also regularly obtains favorable determinations and interpretations from the Department of Buildings.

Stark also has a robust transactional practice, encompassing the representation of both buyers and sellers of transferable development rights, as well as the preparation and negotiation of land use-related covenants, easements, and other private agreements. He routinely advises on the subdivision and apportionment of properties, often as part of complex, multi-phase developments involving allocation of development rights and shared facilities frameworks, including phased developments entitled through zoning map amendments and other discretionary actions, overlapping his entitlements and transactional practices across years-long redevelopment efforts.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve watched zoning become an increasingly important tool in achieving broad policy objectives, while advancing more sustainable and equitable development,” said Stark. “With that has come ever-greater complexity, and the need to develop practical and creative solutions to meet the challenges our clients face. I’m always humbled to serve this role, but it also can be thrilling. Our clients are reshaping neighborhoods with their projects, and my colleagues and I get to play a part in that. And as someone who lives here in the city, these changes and the broader landscape of our zoning and land use regimes are part of my day-to-day. That immediacy is what initially drew me to this practice, and it continues to motivate my work.”

Stark holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Carolina. He has also completed coursework toward a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the Pratt Institute. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2014, and is a member of the Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee of the New York City Bar Association.