Mulrooney joins Zetlin & De Chiara as partner

New York, NY According to Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, its newest partner is a former associate who left Big Law for the entrepreneurial culture of its boutique construction law practice. Tara Mulrooney returned to the firm as a partner in the New York office.

Mulrooney developed her passion for construction law – large scale contracts and dispute resolution – while an associate at Zetlin & De Chiara. She eventually was drawn to Big Law, where she honed her craft. However, in her time at Big Law she discovered that Zetlin & De Chiara’s boutique practice was bigger and more diverse than she realized when she was an associate at the firm. 

“After exploring other opportunities, I am thrilled to be invited to join the Zetlin & De Chiara partnership.  This firm has a wealth of expertise that I believe I can contribute to and that experience and depth will greatly benefit my clients,” said Mulrooney. 

Mulrooney represents various owners/developers, owner’s representatives, design professionals and project managers in industries ranging from retail and healthcare to sports and hospitality.  She has also worked on numerous mega deals in the construction of high-end residential real estate. Her expertise lies in drafting and negotiating a full range of construction-related agreements for owners, architects, engineers, and other consultants.

Additionally, Mulrooney regularly provides counsel on risk management strategies and represents various parties on adjacent construction issues, such as negotiating license and access agreements with adjacent property owners. She has also litigated numerous complex, multi-party construction cases on behalf of clients ranging from owners and developers to architects and engineers.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tara as our newest partner.  She is extremely talented and knowledgeable and a perfect fit for our growing practice,” said Michael Vardaro, managing partner.

Mulrooney spent her formative years in construction law as a senior associate at Zetlin & De Chiara from 2005 – 2009, where she assisted with high profile projects including the Highline.  Prior to returning, she most recently served as special counsel at Proskauer Rose.

Mulrooney graduated cum laude from Georgetown University with a B.A. in English. She holds a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, where she served as editor of the law review.