Profile
As a practicing New York land use lawyer since 1984 and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Land Use Practice, Jay Segal has wide-ranging knowledge of all aspects of New York City land use law. He frequently appears before the City Council, City Planning Commission, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Board of Standards & Appeals and Buildings Department.
Concentrations
- Counsels many of New York City's leading developers, institutions and non-profit organizations
- Seeks changes of zoning districts, amendments to the Zoning Resolution, variances, special permits, permission to alter landmarked buildings, and interpretations of the Zoning Resolution
- Air Rights Transactions
Capabilities
Experience
- Savanna Partners: rezoned client’s property to the first 15 FAR zoning district in Brooklyn.
- Slate Property Group: rezoned client’s property to the first 18 FAR zoning district in Brooklyn.
- American Lion: obtained the approval from the City Planning Commission and City Council to purchase 360,000-square feet of floor area from New York City.
- Queens Clock Tower Site: purchased land from the MTA that generated 580,000-square feet floor area for client.
- El-Ad Properties: obtained approvals from the City Planning Commission, Landmarks Preservation Commission and Department of Buildings allowing portions of the Plaza Hotel to be converted to hotel condo units and retail use.
- The Jack Parker Corporation: obtained a 130,000 square foot floor area bonus from the City Planning Commission for the rehabilitation of the Biltmore Theater.
- A&R Kalimian: obtained a rezoning allowing a new building to be increased by 230,000-square feet (a 120 percent increase).
- 827-831 Broadway: obtained approval from the Landmarks Commission to construct a three‑story addition above two individually landmarked buildings.
- SL Green Realty Corporation: zoning analysis of potential acquisitions and investments.
- The Dalton School: Obtained variance allowing school expansion.
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Land Use and Zoning Law, 2008-2024
- "Lawyer of the Year," Land Use and Zoning Law, New York City, 2014
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2007-2023
- Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2014-2023
- Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate and Construction - Land Use/Zoning, 2012-2022
- Team Member, Chambers & Partners USA Real Estate Law Firm of the Year, 2010, 2013, 2017-2018, and 2022
- Team Member, a U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, "Law Firm of the Year" in Real Estate Law, 2015
- Team Member, a Law360 "Real Estate Practice Group of the Year," 2011-2013, 2015, and 2022
- Team Member, The Legal 500 United States, "Top Tier" Firm in Real Estate, 2013 and 2014
- Rated, AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5.0
Credentials
Education
-
J.D., cum laude, St. John's University School of Law
- Graduated 2nd in class
- Member, Law Review
- M.B.A., Long Island University
- B.S., Electrical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Admissions
- New York