Profile
Jennifer Polovetsky concentrates her practice on multifaceted real estate law, with a focus in eminent domain law, drawing on more than two decades of litigation and transactional real estate experience. She represents property owners, developers, utilities, telecommunications companies, insurers, and municipalities in connection with their complex real estate matters, including matters involving eminent domain proceedings in New York and New Jersey state courts. Her clients comprise real estate developers and management companies handling multifamily and commercial property matters, as well as religious organizations and not-for-profit organizations who appear before the New York State Attorney General Charities Bureau. Having represented parties on both sides of real estate and condemnation disputes, Jennifer brings a working knowledge of how these matters unfold, from sales and acquisitions through valuation and litigation.
Jennifer began her career as an assistant corporation counsel at the New York City Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel, Tax and Bankruptcy Litigation Division, where she represented the city of New York in eminent domain and property tax matters, giving her insight into how public agencies approach acquisitions, easements, and potential sales in lieu of condemnation. She has handled complex transactions involving the New York City Departments of Social Services, Homeless Services, and Housing Preservation and Development, along with matters connected to major public infrastructure projects.
Jennifer is a frequent author and speaker on eminent domain and land valuation topics. Her articles have appeared in the New York Law Journal and the New York Real Estate Journal, addressing subjects such as legal fees in condemnation proceedings, the valuation of trade fixtures, and constitutional questions surrounding zoning and takings. She has presented at national continuing legal education programs and served on bar association committees focused on condemnation, tax certiorari, and real estate. She is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey.
Concentrations
- Complex Real Estate Transactions and Litigation
- Eminent Domain Law
- Government/State, Local & Municipal Law
- Land Use and Property Rights Litigation
- Public-Private Partnerships
The attorney is providing legal services through and affiliated with Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a New York Limited Liability Partnership. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Capabilities
Experience
- Represented Manhattan Checker Management Corp., operator of a 40,000-square-foot garage, auto repair, and towing facility, in a claim involving its trade fixtures (e.g., auto lifts, spray booths, reinforced flooring and ventilation, and electrical upgrades); after New York City acquired the building via eminent domain for its Hudson Yards Park project, and the client filed its claim for compensation, the matter was settled for $3.3 million — 240% more than the city initially offered.°
- Represented a global insurance company in connection with insurer’s rights in nationwide eminent domain and lending matters arising out of credit tenant leases insured by lease enhancement insurance, including artificial intelligence data centers.°
- Represented a condominium in connection with Zoning Lot Development (ZLDA) issues related to eminent domain taking by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.°
- Represented major real estate developer(s) and real estate management companies in eminent domain proceedings against the MTA in connection with Phase 2 of the Second Avenue subway project.°
- Represented major real estate developer(s) and real estate management companies in connection with RPAPL 881 construction access agreements in connection with Phase 2 of the MTA Second Avenue subway project.°
- Represented a major supermarket developer in connection with commercial lease and construction matters related to development of a supermarket.°
- Represented the city of New Rochelle in an eminent domain acquisition of various properties in furtherance of public-private partnerships.°
- Represented the village of Pelham in connection with the acquisition of property for the redevelopment of the Pelham Picture House.°
- Represented the village of Pelham in an eminent domain acquisition of property related to the North Pelham Watershed Flood Mitigation Project.°
- Represented a multigenerational real estate family in eminent domain proceedings against the city of New York –Gowanus Canal Combined Sewer Overflow Facilities Project.°
- Represented a major utility in an eminent domain acquisition of property for construction of a new electrical substation.°
- Represented a national telecommunications company in eminent domain proceedings against the city of New York – Hudson Yards Park Project.°
- Represented various clients in eminent domain proceedings against the Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency for the Ronkonkoma Hub project, including sale(s) in lieu of condemnation and litigation proceedings.°
- Represented a supermarket developer in eminent domain proceedings against the town of West New York, New Jersey.°
- Represented various real estate developers and property owners in eminent domain proceedings against the MTA-Second Avenue Subway Expansion.°
- Represented a gas station owner in eminent domain proceedings against the state of New York and its Department of Transportation in connection with the partial acquisition of a client’s gas station.°
°The above representations were handled by Ms. Polovetsky prior to her joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Assistant Corporation Counsel, New York City Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel, Tax & Bankruptcy Litigation Division, 2000-2003
- Outside Counsel, as Village Attorney for the Village of Pelham, 2024-Present
- Outside Counsel, City of New Rochelle
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, NYC Metro Area Super Lawyers, 2016-2026
- Rising Stars, 2015
- Recipient, National Institute of Trial Advocacy, NITA Advocate Designation Award, 2001
A description of the selection methodology for the above awards can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Member, New York City Bar Association, 2003-Present
- Condemnation & Tax Certiorari Committee, 2003-Present
- Member, New York County Lawyers Association, 2012-Present
- Condemnation Committee, 2012 -Present
- Member, Nassau County Bar Association, 2021-2024
- Tax & Condemnation Committee, 2021-2024
- Real Estate Committee, 2021-2024
- Member, National Association of Professional Women, 2011-2021
Credentials
- J.D., New York Law School
- B.A., Lafayette College
- New York
- New Jersey
- English
- Russian, Fluent
- French, Conversational