2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Jordana Garellek, Nutter

“Few in the legal community are well-versed in the dense technical fields of both land use and intellectual property. Jordana Garellek is the rare exception, leveraging her wide-ranging experience to deliver winning strategies on high-stakes zoning, permitting, and litigation matters that advance the future of New York City. Developers, sellers, purchasers, and property owners rely on Jordana for forward-thinking legal counsel that brings a 360-degree perspective to this ever-evolving market.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?
My path to law began early, inspired by my grandfather, who served as an acting NYS Supreme Court judge, and the sense of justice I saw in his courtroom. I started my career in intellectual property, where legal analysis paired with my love of science and the search for truth. From there, I was mentored by real estate attorney Jon Popin, who taught me the complexities of land use and successful legal strategy. Today, I bring that same analytical approach to my role as a property lawyer, working at the intersection of tangible and intellectual property.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?
I represented a developer in a complex zoning lot merger involving the purchase of tens of thousands of square feet of air rights to combine multiple parcels for a high-rise residential development in Manhattan. The multi-year effort required numerous zoning lot development agreements, careful negotiation and analysis of diverse owners’ property rights, and constant attention to licensing issues to keep the project moving. Helping create a major assemblage for my client, and contributing to the New York skyline, remains one of my most rewarding accomplishments.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?
A pivotal expansion of my career from IP into land use was made possible by my mentor, Jon Popin. His guidance strengthened both my legal technical abilities and the importance of representing clients. Jon’s most valuable advice was to always anticipate the future needs of my clients, a piece of wisdom that crafted my proactive approach to every situation. My ability to predict and prepare for potential issues raised by administrative agencies, adversaries, or clients has enhanced both my skills as an attorney as well as Nutter’s effectiveness in delivering successful outcomes for our clients.