Overview
Although we always hoped to be able to do this work ourselves, we long ago determined that we would not launch a new practice with an “average” lawyer. Our view is that we find a star-quality lawyer or we do not launch the practice. We found that star-quality in Robin Kramer.
Ms. Kramer has over 30 years of expertise in the zoning and land use area. Her quick background is as follows:
Ms. Kramer has a law degree from New York University Law School and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. After graduation, she began her career in New York City land use by serving as Assistant Counsel to the New York City Department of City Planning. She then moved to the private sector, practicing land use for several years, both in and out of New York City. Her experience includes work in land use throughout the United States. On returning to New York, she worked for more than 8 years at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, where she was involved in all aspects of land use in New York City. Finally, Ms. Kramer’s knowledge and skills in the land use area have led her to become an adjunct instructor at New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate, where she teaches land use and environmental
regulation to graduate students.
Ms. Kramer’s land use practice focuses on advising clients about the development and uses of New York City properties; acquisitions of air rights from theaters, from High Line properties and from neighboring properties in connection with zoning lot mergers; taking projects through ULURP and obtaining discretionary and non-discretionary approvals, including special permits, certifications and amendments to the Zoning Resolution, from the New York City Planning Commission; obtaining approvals from the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals; and providing advice to clients about development possibilities of sites in New York City.
We also really like the timing of starting this practice in that right now New York is literally bursting with development opportunities, not to mention the (almost-achieved) Midtown East Rezoning Plan and a new Mayoral administration.
As otherwise stated, the Firm is a Pure Play in Real Estate Law. Land use and zoning is a perfect adjunct to this Pure Play and we are pleased to have this expertise in house as part of the team.
