Pincus of Sahn Ward successfully transitions to private practice

Name: Michele Pincus Title: Partner Company Name: Sahn Ward Coschignano & Baker, PLLC Years in Commercial Real Estate: 28 Email: [email protected] In the last 12 months, which project, transaction, honor or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? In July of 2014 I successfully transitioned back to private practice after spending 5.5 years in-house as associate general counsel for the Long Island Power Authority where I oversaw LIPA's real estate interests. I am now working at a firm with talented attorneys and a great practice which has afforded me the opportunity to be involved in challenging and sophisticated work. I regularly represent property owners and developers in obtaining necessary governmental and municipal approvals to use, subdivide and develop commercial properties. I appear before local legislative and administrative bodies, planning boards and commissions and zoning boards of appeal in connection with obtaining zoning changes, special permits, variances, site plan and subdivision approvals for clients. I also represent clients in all phases of commercial litigation in disputes involving real property matters and zoning and land use matters. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? In my first job out of law school I worked for the Corporation Counsel's Office where I represented the City of New York in litigation and negotiations involving zoning matters, building code compliance, and landmark preservation. I learned how to balance municipal interests with those of the public and how to handle politically charged issues What is your favorite quote? Ability is what you are capable of doing, motivation determines what you do, attitude determines how well you do it. What social media and/or face to face networking activities do you find most beneficial professionally? I am involved in several networking groups and serve on various boards in my field through which I regularly interact with people. I also attend events in my community and surrounding areas. I believe in my business your best relationships are built through personal contacts.