Dynasties and empires are second only to glass and chrome when it comes to describing the New York real estate scene. It's a point that is not lost on Steve Taitz, managing partner with the Long Island law firm of Roe Taroff Taitz and Portman, LLP.When Taitz thinks about real estate, he's not simply concerned with the brick and steel that makes up construction, but of the owners, developers and managers behind the façades. His Long Island-based law firm serves the needs of an especially unique group - real estate owners, management companies, and frequently, real estate families. Not only does this group require specific expertise in leasing, construction contracts, dispute resolution, and all aspects of real estate transactions, but the same group requires a certain amount of care and finesse, plus a great deal of understanding, when it comes to estate and succession planning. After all, there's a dynasty to build. Many of these businesses, particularly those that are frequently family-run businesses, whether large or small, often require an outside voice when it comes to estate and succession planning. Among his firm's areas of practice, certain specialties -real estate, creditor's rights law, commercial litigation, landlord and tenant disputes, and wills, trusts and estates - seem purpose built for the real estate community. Today Taitz and his team are focused on helping property owners, developers and managers as they develop the next phase of construction where they are seeing more mixed use development, especially in suburbs like Long Island. These developments are attractive to millennials and an aging population because they provide easy access to shopping, eating and entertainment facilities, and mass transit. And when it comes to business planning, Taitz and his firm are often helping one generation develop a responsible and measured plan for succession to the next generation. He helps clients develop and communicate the plan - which isn't always easy. The firm takes a broad view when it comes to succession planning - thinking not in terms of a one year plan, but in terms of developing the right solution and involving everyone necessary. Taitz earned a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from the University of Miami, School of Law. He began his legal career serving as an Assistant State Attorney in the Dade County State Attorney's Office under then State Attorney Janet Reno in Miami, Florida. He started as a felony prosecutor, then moved to the office's Narcotics Unit,and ultimately rose to the position of division chief prosecuting violent crimes and homicides. It's not the usual pedigree for a real estate attorney, but Taitz is an experienced litigator who holds his own in court as well as across a negotiation table. He was named to the 2013 New York Metro Super Lawyers List, among an elite five percent of New York State lawyers honored and is also AV rated by Martindale Hubble. He is a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association and Commercial Law League of America and he has worked extensively with, and lectured for, the Suffolk County Academy of Law on Long Island where he remains active. His firm includes partners John J. Roe III, Les Taroff and Elliott Portman. It is headquartered in Bohemia, N.Y. close to the Long Island MacArthur Airport, where it offers a wide variety of legal services to Long Island businesses and individuals. The experienced team of attorneys, legal assistants and administrative staff, provides support in areas of practice including civil litigation, bankruptcy, creditor's rights law, trust and estates issues, estate planning, admiralty claims, business counseling and real estate matters. In addition to the firm's traditional representation of clients, members of the staff are also involved in select pro bono activities, as well as local volunteering and other forms of community service. Among his volunteer activities, Taitz sits on the board of directors of the Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center, a community based hospital on Long Island delivering a variety of health care solutions through a focused and compassionate team of health care professionals. One of its facilities is the Cardiac Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Unit where Taitz was on hand with doctors, administrators and other board members for a recent ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new unit. Taitz is also involved in fund raising activities for Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck located in East Moriches, New York through the Rotary Club of Patchogue where he is a member. Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is a sleep away camp for special needs children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. At Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck campers can enjoy the joys of boating, arts & crafts, music, adaptive sports and games, swimming campfires and more.