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Samir NeJame heads the New York State Government Law & Policy Practice and represents clients in legislative, regulatory and procurement matters at various levels of government. CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, leaders of civic associations and important non-profit organizations regularly turn to him for his legal counsel and ability to assist their organizations to pursue their business goals through legislative means.

As a former corporation counsel for one of New York’s big five cities, Sam has been retained by many of New York’s municipalities, including Westchester County and the City of Syracuse, to help guide them through the corridors of the State Capitol. Additionally, Sam takes particular pride in his representation of many of New York’s iconic tourist destinations, including Lincoln Center, The New York Botanical Garden as well as all of the ski resorts throughout New York State.

Sam has a particular focus representing the New York real estate industry, including the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), along with SL Green , Brookfield and Tishman Speyer, three of the country’s largest landlords. He also represents a wide variety of clients in their procurement engagements with New York’s many agencies in the areas of technology, security and professional services.

Concentrations

  • Municipal/local government
  • Real estate
  • Tourism
  • Procurement

Capabilities

Experience

  • Negotiated Extension of State Brownfield Laws on behalf of NYC Real Estate Industry
  • Negotiated Affordable NY Program – formerly 421-a
  • Negotiated NYS Historic Preservation Law on behalf of the Preservation League of New York State

Recognition & Leadership

  • Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Practice, 2023-2024
  • Listed, City & State, "Power of Diversity: Middle Eastern & North African 50," 2023
  • Listed, City & State, "Power of Diversity: Asian 100," 2022-2023
  • Listed, City & State, "Real Estate Power 100," 2021-2023
  • Team Member, City & State, "Top 50 NYC Lobbyists," 2021 
  • Listed, City & State, "Albany Power 100," 2021-2023
  • Team Member, Best Lawyers in America® "Top Listed – Government Relations," 2018
  • Adjunct Professor, SUNY Albany, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, New York State Bar Association

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., Villanova University School of Law, 1998
  • B.A., Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, 1995
Admissions
  • New York
  • Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
Languages
  • Arabic