Commercial Leasing
CMM advises retail and commercial landlords and tenants on all aspects of lease negotiation and strategy. We represent clients in all types of commercial leasing transactions including office leases, ground leases, master and subleases, triple-net leases, sale-leaseback, and related financing. Our deep experience includes drafting and negotiating commercial leases in connection with shopping centers, commercial buildings, and industrial properties, including handling all leasing work for a publicly traded retailer with international operations. We are adept at navigating input from various internal departments within an organization, such as Finance, Facilities, and Legal, as well as outside consultants including brokers, contractors, and architects.
The firm represents landlords of commercial, retail, and office properties throughout the tri-state area, exclusively handling the preparation and negotiation of all leasing documentation on behalf of our clients. We also provide a full range of landlord-tenant legal services to commercial and residential landlords regarding nonpayment of rent, rent collection, lease violations, security deposits, habitability issues, repairs and maintenance, common area maintenance and other charges, nuisance and lease options, and renewals, as well as regulatory compliance and insurance coverage.
Recent projects include leading the legal strategy for the renegotiation of the entire lease portfolio for a national retailer, which involved the review of more than 800 leases and the preparation and negotiation of over 500 lease amendments. As part of this project, we worked with hundreds of commercial landlords, from small family-owned shopping centers to large institutional landlords. We represented a national brand in the negotiation of a lease for a 200,000-square-foot headquarters. We also represented a commercial landlord in connection with the termination of a bank lease involving complex exit, construction, and vault removal issues, helping avoid litigation through creative business solutions. During the pandemic, we advised senior management of a national retailer regarding legal strategy on rent payment. As part of this process, we managed and resolved hundreds of default notices and over 60 lawsuits.
Commercial Real Estate Purchases and Sales
We have significant experience handling a variety of commercial real estate sales and purchases on Long Island and in New York City from the initial contract through closing. Our experience also includes forward and reverse 1031 exchanges, as well as preparing all types of agreements relating to real estate transactions. We also work with local economic development agencies to help our clients obtain incentives.
Land Use and Zoning
The firm represents clients before Zoning Boards of Appeal, Planning Boards, and Town or Village Boards with regard to subdivisions, variances, and special use permits, and in court when challenges to land use and zoning approvals are the subject of Article 78 petitions. Our Land Use clients benefit from our years of experience in both the public and private sectors, representing municipalities, private businesses, and individuals. We have particular experience representing clients in a variety of land use matters on Long Island’s East End, working on a range of major commercial projects and zoning disputes.
Construction
We frequently draft and negotiate construction contracts for clients on all sides of the table including owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, and construction managers. Learn more about our Construction practice.
Banking and Finance
Our real estate practice includes the representation of local, regional, and national banks, institutional investors, and insurance companies. We work with clients on all aspects of due diligence when evaluating loans and financial transactions. We address client issues pertaining to commercial lending, protection of collateral, structured financing, and disposition of properties and assets. Our team is also experienced in handling loan workouts, creditor rights issues, and litigation if the need arises.