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| Winter 2021 NEWSLETTER
Vol. 2 Issue 1
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| Dear Friends,
It goes without saying that, since our last newsletter, the world has changed dramatically in ways that have affected the Mattone Institute and the constituencies we serve: our students, alumni and the real estate industry as a whole. In March, the Mattone Institute, like the rest of the Law School, transitioned to virtual modes of instruction, interaction, and outreach. While this transition was not without its challenges, it has also resulted in some unexpected benefits, such as easier enlistment of guest speakers and increased turnout at our events.
During this period, the subject matter of our programming has pivoted to cover topics germane to the pandemic and its impact on real estate law, including a "virtual brown bag lunch" with alumni to discuss how the pandemic is shaping real estate law practice, and CLE events covering its impacts on commercial and residential leases. Importantly, we have also played a role in the Law School’s collective reckoning with issues of racial inequities and racism by co-sponsoring events on housing discrimination and enhancing our coverage of this important topic in our real estate law curriculum.
With the introduction of vaccines, we now look forward to a return to "normal" in the coming months. Real estate, and real estate attorneys, will play a key role in this process by, for example, modifying distressed loans, closing new real estate investments, negotiating amendments to uneconomic leases, and protecting residential tenants from unlawful dispossession. The Mattone Institute is proud to play a role in training the next generation of real estate attorneys to help respond to these challenges.
I would like to extend a special word of thanks to all of our dedicated alumni and supporters who have continued to dedicate their time and resources to our work in these unprecedented times; the students who have inspired all of us with their initiative, drive and resilience in the face of adversity; and, of course, the Mattone family, whose vision and generosity has made all of this possible.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Sein
Director
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During this period, we sponsored many events which attracted, in the aggregate, hundreds of attendees.
February 4, 2020
We held an Advisory Board Meeting at Ladder Capital in Manhattan. For the first time, Real Estate Fellows were in attendance, which allowed the Fellows to provide insight into their personal experiences with the Program and weigh in on topics discussed.
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February 7, 2020
Students attended a Site Visit at Battery Park City hosted by George Tsunis '92 (Chairman of the Board) and a number of BPCA executives. Students learned about BPCA’s initiatives in the key areas of sustainability, resilience and affordability, and George shared invaluable wisdom with the students on topics such as the importance of using one’s law degree for the greater good.
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On the weekend of February 8-9, 2020, we held our annual “Bridge the Gap” CLE Event entitled “Unearthing the Landmines Buried in the New York Real Estate Contract”. Vincent J. Gallo, Esq., who has been at the helm of this event for many years, chaired the distinguished panel once again. To our delight, Joseph M. Mattone, Sr., '53C, '55L, '93HON, unexpectedly dropped by to chat with the attendees.
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February 10th, 2020
The Director held an Information Session at the Law School for students interested in real estate. At least one information session is held each semester.
Following the Information Session, the Director hosted an informal Dinner for the Real Estate Honors Scholars and several Real Estate Fellows.
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April 3, 2020
We held our first virtual event - a Virtual Real Estate Fellow Meeting.
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April 17, 2020
The Director held a Virtual Information Session for students interested in real estate law.
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April 24, 2020
We hosted “The Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate Law Practice – A Virtual Brown Bag Lunch” for our students. Panelists Carrie C. Adduci '12, Max Patinkin '13, Max Rayetsky '14, Steve Simicich '04, Fred Cerullo '86, and Kayla Laskin '19, filled students in on the ways in which the pandemic was impacting their practices, and shared tips for career development on a virtual basis. Real Estate Fellow Steven Cecere '20 organized and chaired the event.
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June 5, 2020
We held a Virtual Happy Hour for the Real Estate Fellows, which gave us the opportunity to share a toast to honor our graduating Fellows.
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July 30, 2020
The Mattone Institute was among the co-sponsors of an event hosted by the student chapter of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (“NACA”) entitled “Racism, Renting and Redlining: A Conversation on Housing Discrimination and its Impact on Economic Injustice”. Panelists Fred Frieberg, Executive Director of the Fair Housing Justice Center; Lisa Darden, Board Member of the Fair Housing Justice Center; and Makedah Salmond, Supervising Attorney, NYLAG Tenant’s Rights Unit; discussed housing discrimination from a number of perspectives.
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On August 4, as part of the new Mattone Institute CLE Series, we held our CLE Webinar, “Commercial Leasing in a Pandemic”, which attracted nearly 200 attendees. The Webinar was comprised of two 45-minute panel discussions, one focused on litigation issues and the other on transactional issues. Ally Hack, partner at Warshaw Burnstein, and Scott E. Mollen '72, partner at Herrick Feinstein LLP, served on the litigation panel; Deborah L. Goldman, member of Joshua Stein PLLC, and J.J. Sherman '00, founder and principal of Law Offices of J.J. Sherman, P.C. served on the transactional panel. The litigation-focused panelists discussed how claims related to COVID-19 will test the limits of seldom-used doctrines such as force majeure, frustration of purpose, and impossibility of performance. They also explored the emerging topic of business interruption coverage in respect of pandemic-related losses. The transactional-focused panelists described lease workouts and modifications being seen in the market, and some unexpected pitfalls, including inadvertent defaults under loan documents, confidentiality, and professional responsibility issues.
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On August 13,
The Mattone Institute was honored to co-sponsor the second in NACA's series of events for students focused on racial inequality: "The Racial Wealth Gap: Lending Credit and Other Disparities". At this event, Cathi Kim, Director of InclusivCapital; Sarah Ludwig, Executive Director the New Economy Project; and Cheryl Wade, the Harold F. McNiece Professor of Law at the Law School, educated students on issues of redlining, reverse redlining, and predatory lending.
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September 17
The Mattone Institute and the N.Y. Real Property Law Journal hosted their annual Welcome Reception for students, administrators and faculty affiliated with our real estate law programs. The event afforded an opportunity to reflect on our activities over the preceding year and preview upcoming events. Real Estate Fellow Norah Alimonos '20 chaired the event.
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October 14
We held our Semi-annual Recent Alumni Perspectives Event, this time featuring Fatima Arash '15, Richard Cordero '18, Kayla Laskin '19, Jack Piontkowski '19 and Corey Trail '17. This was the sixth, and first virtual, iteration of this signature event.
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On October 18
Real Estate Fellows Andrew Stanko '21, Ashley Williams '21 and Rob Sein co-taught a virtual class on commercial leasing for NYC area entrepreneurs and small business owners sponsored by Chinatown Manpower Project, Inc.
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November 18
We held the second installment in the Mattone Institute CLE Series: "Residential Landlord Tenant Practice in NYC: The Basics and Beyond", which featured Hon. John Lansden '91, Vanessa Fang '09, and Nicholas Mattia '09. The two hour event offered attorney attendees a primer on landlord-tenant law in New York City, with a specific focus on eviction moratoria and other COVID-19-related issues.
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November 19
The Mattone Institute was proud to co-sponsor our Real Property Law Society’s event, “Racial Disparities in Eviction, Foreclosure and Affordable Housing”. Adjunct Professor Amee Master (Supervising Attorney at the Legal Aid Society), Sateesh Nori (Attorney in Charge at the Legal Aid Society) and Naldine Philistin '15 (Housing Educator at the Community Development Corp. of Long Island), had a spirited discussion about these critical topics which was moderated by Jay Hedges '21. The event was coordinated by Real Estate Fellows Heather Lewin '21 and Brandon Auerbach '21.
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December 4
Rob Sein taught "Hot Button Ethical Issues for Real Estate Lawyers During the Pandemic" as part of the New York State Bar Association's Advanced Real Estate Topics 2020 CLE Program. Rob discussed the special ethical issues for real estate lawyers raised by socially distanced/remote practice, including with respect to the basic duties of competence, communication, diligence, and confidentiality. He also addressed issues of unauthorized practice of law that arise when attorneys temporarily or permanently work outside the state in which they are licensed, and the new Civility Standards adopted in January 2020.
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| Tenant's Rights Advocacy Clinic
The Tenant’s Rights Advocacy Clinic was approved by the faculty in fall 2019 and was first offered in spring 2020. The Clinic provides students with practical litigation skills training by representing income-eligible tenants facing eviction in Housing Court, as well as a “foot in the door” towards a career in the growing field of tenant advocacy. At the same time, it provides us with a platform to discuss the tremendously important issues of housing inequality and the eviction crisis.
Advanced Topics in Real Estate Law
Advanced Topics in Real Estate Law, a two-credit seminar intended as a “capstone” offering for Real Estate Fellows and other students with substantial advanced real estate law coursework, was approved by the faculty in Fall 2020:
ADVANCED TOPICS IN REAL ESTATE LAW (2 CREDITS) In this seminar, students will explore cutting-edge issues in real estate law and deepen their understanding of concepts related to the financing, development, ownership and operation of real estate not covered in depth in any other course. Topics covered will change from year to year to reflect the most recent developments and trends in real estate, and the instructor’s particular areas of expertise. Case studies of actual and simulated transactions will be used to increase students' understanding of the issues explored. The course will be taught as a mixture of lecture, directed discussion and seminar, and is anticipated to include distinguished guest lecturers with expertise in the particular topics covered. Pre-requisites: Real Estate Transactions and four additional credits of advanced PROP coursework. Enrollment requires permission of the Program Director.
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| | NEW YORK REAL PROPERTY LAW JOURNAL
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Our St. John’s Law student editors continued to provide editorial support to the N.Y. Real Property Law Journal, the official publication of the Real Property Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. Since our last newsletter, two issues have been published: Spring/Summer 2020 and Fall 2020. Thanks to Editors in Chief Scott Mullin '20 (2019-20) and Fiona Hogan '21 (2020-21) and all of the student editors for their continued hard work!
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| | CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW REAL ESTATE FELLOWS!
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This fall, as the result of a competitive application process, seven students were chosen to join our Real Estate Fellowship Program: William Buzzini, Sabrina Jorge, Heather Lewin, Lorena Niyazov, Meghan Paola, Olivia Pizzo and Ashley Williams.
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William Buzzini '22
William is a judge of Jewish law and an author of numerous case comments covering areas of Jewish tort, transactional, and matrimonial law. Having excelled as a Jewish law scholar for nearly two decades, William began St. John’s Law School with a Real Estate Honors Scholarship to pursue a career in American law and specializing in Real Estate. As the judicial chambers with whom he worked closely can attest, William’s previous discipline serves him well in the context of complex issues of law, allowing him to cut to the heart of any issue with the support of authoritative and persuasive precedent. Chambers made extensive use of William’s writing and analytical abilities, which gave William the opportunity to let his abilities and work ethic shine. This year, William is looking forward to being a staff member for the New York Real Estate Law Journal and taking courses in the fundamentals of real estate transactions and finance. In the spring, William will be interning with the Court of International Trade to broaden his perspective of the Federal Judiciary and have an opportunity to experience some of the finest lawyering in the country. William ultimately hopes to incorporate his judicial experiences into the practice area of real estate law, either by being a litigator or a transactional lawyer who knows how to safely enshrine his client’s interests in writing.
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Sabrina Jorge '22
Sabrina Jorge is a Staff Member on the St. John’s Law Review, Teaching Assistant for Legal Writing I, and Co-Director of Public Relations for the Women’s Law Society. In 2019, Sabrina graduated from Binghamton University with a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law. During Sabrina’s 1L summer, she worked at New York Life Insurance Co., where she researched and drafted memoranda on various legal issues, including real estate finance. Currently, Sabrina is working as a student intern in the Tenants’ Rights Advocacy Clinic where she will represent low-income tenants asserting various rights under New York’s rent laws. As a Real Estate Fellow, Sabrina is looking forward to exploring commercial real estate and contributing to the St. John’s community.
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Heather Lewin '21
Heather Lewin is a 3L from Glen Head, NY. Previously, Heather graduated from Binghamton University magna cum laude. Heather is the Vice President of The Real Property Law Society and Member of the New York International Law Review, Public Interest Center, and Woman’s Law Society. This past summer, Heather interned at the Queen’s Surrogate Court for Hon. Peter J. Kelly. She has also worked at St. John’s Consumer Justice for the Elder: Litigation Clinic and the Law Office of Donna Furey. As a Mattone Institute Real Estate Fellow, Heather hopes to gain more exposure in residential real estate law and to further connect with St. John’s extensive alumni pool.
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Lorena Niyazov '22
Lorena graduated magna cum laude from St. John’s University in 2019, earning a B.A. in Economics. At St. John’s Law, Lorena is a St. Thomas Moore Scholar and a member of the Real Property Law Society Society. While in college, Lorena worked as a loan officer assistant at R&J Capital Group, LLC, which is where her interest in real estate law began. As a Real Estate Fellow, Lorena hopes to gain a better understanding of residential and commercial transactions.
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Meghan Paola '22
At St. John’s Law, Meghan serves as a staff member on the American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review and is a member of the Real Property Law Society. She is a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and was a 1L Mattone Institute Honors Scholar. Meghan graduated cum laude from Binghamton University in 2018 with a B.A. in political science and a minor in history. Prior to coming to law school, Meghan worked as a legal intern at The Durst Organization, where she assisted the in-house legal department in various matters ranging from commercial leasing to data privacy. During her 1L summer, she returned to The Durst Organization and also worked as a research assistant for Professor Chiu. In the fall of 2020, Meghan is working as a legal extern at Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. As a Real Estate Fellow, Meghan looks forward to furthering her interest and experience in real estate and connecting with fellow students and alumni.
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Oliva Pizzo '22
Olivia graduated from Fordham University in 2019, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. In undergrad, Olivia interned at A&E Real Estate, a commercial real estate management company, reviewing leases and drafting tenant notices. Prior to St. John’s Law, she also became a member and scholarship recipient of WX: New York Women Executives in Real Estate, an organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in the industry. At St. John’s Law, Olivia was awarded the Real Estate Honors Scholarship. Currently, she is a member of the Real Property Law Society and the Wellness Committee of the Student Bar Association. This past summer, Olivia interned in the New York State Supreme Court, Civil Division, for the Honorable Tanya R. Kennedy. In January, she will be a Teacher’s Assistant for Dennis Glazer’s Lawyering course. As a Real Estate Fellow, Olivia hopes to find her niche within the industry and further connect with the St. John’s community.
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Ashley Williams '21
Ashley graduated magna cum laude from Lehman College in 2015, earning a B.A. in Political Science. Upon attending St. John's Law, Ashley was awarded the Ronald H. Brown Scholarship for her academic accomplishments. At St. John's Law, Ashley serves as a Competition Director for the Moot Court Honors Society, Event Coordinator of the St. John's Black Law Student Association, and Treasurer of the St. John's Women's Law Society. She has also served as a teaching assistant for Criminal Law and the Prelaw Undergraduate LSAC PLUS Program at St. John's. Ashley successfully competed in the 2020 Cardozo BMI Entertainment & Media Law Moot Court Competition and won first place for Best Brief.
This Fall Ashley will be interning at The Appellate Law Office of Stephen N. Preziosi P.C. where she will work on appellate matters in state and federal appellate courts. This past summer, Ashley interned at the New York City Law Department where she worked in the Commercial and Real Estate Litigation division. In addition to conducting legal research and drafting pleadings, she defended lien cases and worked on breach of contract and real estate actions brought against the City and its constituent agencies. Her work included revising and updating the department's training manual on Adverse Possession claims and researching and drafting a memorandum on the City's immunities in contract law. During her internship, Ashley attended countless panel discussions on the various issues that the Law Department handles, from force majeure issues to the Urbanization of New York. Ashley worked directly with the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, James Johnson on a research project regarding the barriers of family togetherness. Ashley's research memo focused on NYCHA's Family Reentry Program and its effects on communities of color.
In the summer of 2019, Ashley worked for David A. Gallo & Associates, LLP in the Contested Department, which deals with the litigation of mortgage foreclosure sales. In this role, she assisted attorneys with third-party closings, and strict foreclosures. Ashley drafted motions for summary judgement, strict complaints, affidavits in support, lost note affidavits, motions to dismiss, and stipulations to rescind sales.
In addition to taking the foundational property law class, Ashley has studied advanced real estate courses, such as Commercial Real Estate Leasing, Real Estate Transactions, Real Estate Development, Condominiums, Cooperatives & Homeowner Associations and participated in the Tenants' Rights Advocacy Clinic at the Queens Housing Court last spring.
As a Real Estate Fellow, Ashley is looking forward to exploring New York's commercial real estate market and connecting with fellow St. John's students and alumni.
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| | CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RECENT GRADUATES!
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Congratulations to the Real Property Law Society and N.Y. Real Property Law Journal members who graduated this past May!
In particular, congratulations to our graduating Real Estate Fellows — Joseph Carlo '20, Kayla Dimatos '20, Andrew Fisher '20, Mark LoBiondo '20 and Alexander Woo '20. In the months and years to come, we look forward to watching each of you achieve great things in the legal profession and collaborating with each of you as members of our alumni community!
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David M. Curry '03 has joined our teaching staff as an Adjunct Professor, currently co-teaching our Drafting: Real Estate Transactions class with Professor Robert Parella.
He graduated the Law School in 2003 and is currently a Partner at Farrell Fritz LLP. At Farrell Fritz, his practice focuses on the representation of commercial real estate owners and developers in sales and acquisitions of real estate, as well as air rights transactions; landlords and tenants in commercial leasing transactions; lenders and borrowers in real estate acquisition and construction financing; owners, contractors and subcontractors in construction contract negotiations; and borrowers and purchasers in industrial development agency transactions.
Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, he was a real estate attorney at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP in New York City. Welcome Professor Curry!
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In July, Gia Fernicola '21 and Joseph DiOrio '22 were awarded 2020 American Immobiliare Scholarships. This marks the third consecutive year in which at least one St. John’s Law student has won this prestigious scholarship, which is intended to recognize the next generation of Italian-American leaders in the field of commercial real estate finance.
In September, Norah Alimonos '21 was designated the 2020 Timothy J. Meehan Fellow. This award is presented on an annual basis to the Real Estate Fellow with the highest cumulative grade point average in real estate courses.
Real Estate Fellow Olivia Pizzo '22 has been designated a WX Scholar by WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate. The goal of the WX Scholars Program is to encourage and support bright, talented, and diverse young women pursuing challenging careers in real estate and related professions in the New York metropolitan area.
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| | REAL PROPERTY LAW SOCIETY
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Our Real Property Law Society is the student-run affiliate of the Mattone Institute.
It is run by a student Executive Committee. Executive Committee members coordinate RPLS programming and serve as student ambassadors for the Mattone Institute and our real estate law programs.
Congratulations to the Executive Committee members for the 2019-20 academic year, who were selected last spring: Brandon Auerbach '21, Heather Lewin '21, Matthew Fischman '21, Thomas Kane '21, Antonio Sciarotta '22, Gina Antoun '21, Andrew Stanko '21 and William Bird '22.
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| | PROF. VINCENT DILORENZO: LAW REVIEW "IN MEMORIAM" FEATURE
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Our work is fueled by our ever-expanding connections with students, alumni and others in the real estate industry. If you have not already been involved with our programs and activities, we invite you to do so!
Prospective students, please consider attending an open house. In addition, the Admissions Office offers open houses monthly and tours daily. Check the schedule and reserve your space at https://www.stjohns.edu/visit-campus, or call 718-990-6474 to schedule an individual appointment with our admissions team. Rob Sein would also be delighted to meet or speak with you to discuss our real estate law programs in more detail. Please feel free to email him at seinr@stjohns.edu to schedule a time to meet or speak.
Students interested in real estate law are encouraged to join the Real Property Law Society. As a member of the Real Property Law Society, you will be notified of real estate-focused events and will have access to the resources posted to the RPLS TWEN site. Please contact any member of the Executive Committee or Rob Sein in order to sign up. In addition, if you are contemplating real estate law as a career path, Rob Sein is happy to meet with you to discuss your academic planning and pre-professional development. In order to schedule a meeting, please email him at seinr@stjohns.edu.
Alumni and friends, please consider helping advance our mission by attending our programs; hiring a St. John’s Law student or graduate; hosting a site visit, meeting with students, or collaborating on our programming. Please contact Rob Sein at 718-990-7372 or seinr@stjohns.edu to learn more about how you can get involved. Please also consider a financial donation to help support our programming. To learn more about how you, or your firm, can financially support us, please contact Brian Woods, Associate Dean for Alumni Advancement at 718-990-5792 or woodsb1@stjohns.edu. Or make an online donation (select “Centers” and “Mattone Family Institute for Real Estate Law” from the dropdown menus).
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| | STAY UP-TO-DATE/MORE INFORMATION
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Follow us online and on social media!
Robert J. Sein
Director, Mattone Family Institute for Real Estate Law
Adjunct Professor
St. John’s University School of Law
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY, 11439
Email: seinr@stjohns.edu
Telephone: 718-990-7372
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