• Sheila M. Pozon represents private developers and property owners, cultural, educational, health care and nonprofit institutions, lenders and investors in the planning, acquisition, development and financing of major projects throughout New York City. Sheila advises clients on municipal law issues, the development potential of sites, and the land use and environmental review processes.

    She has appeared before and secured approvals from key New York City agencies, including the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals, the New York City Department of Buildings, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the New York City Department of Finance, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the City Planning Commission, in a variety of land use actions including zoning changes, special permits, complex tax lot mergers and apportionments, landmark proceedings, authorizations, certifications and variances.

    Sheila has extensive experience representing both developers and sellers in zoning lot mergers for the purchase and sale of development rights. Her work includes drafting and negotiating complex transactional documents, including purchase and sale agreements, zoning lot development and easement agreements, and license and access agreements.

    Among her most notable recent work, Sheila represented Extell Development Co., one of the most active developers in New York City, in its acquisition of development rights from multiple owners for its development sites throughout Manhattan, including the International Gem Tower, One57 and 215 West 57th St. (also known as the Nordstrom Tower, which is the tallest residential building in the western hemisphere).

    Sheila is a member of the firm’s Attorneys of Color Affinity Group.

    Experience

    • Represented Extell Development Co. in its assemblage and acquisition of development rights from multiple owners for development sites throughout Manhattan, including the International Gem Tower, One57 and 215 West 57th St.

    • Represented private developers in drafting and negotiating subway stair easement agreements with the New York City Transit Authority.

    • Represented a private homeowner in the sale of development rights to a large developer, including negotiating the terms of a private zoning lot development agreement.

    • Represented a midtown synagogue in securing a bulk variance based on institutional hardship to allow the much-needed expansion of its community house.

    • Assisted in the representation of a private homeowner in securing approvals from the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the City Planning Commission to convert a building located in a historic district from commercial to residential use.

    Credentials

    Education

    • J.D., Boston University School of Law, 2003
      • Member, Public Interest Law Journal
      • Board Member, Arts Law Association
    • B.A., Columbia University, 1998

    Bar Admissions

    • New York, 2007

    Professional Affiliations

    • New York City Bar Association: Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee
  • *No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. A description of the Super Lawyers selection methodology can be found here.