Jay A. Neveloff

Jay’s most notable transactions include high-profile projects in New York City, such as the Disney-ABC, representing the company in the sale of its primary New York City campus and in the relocation of its New York headquarters to a 1.2-million-square-foot complex with office and studio space being developed in Tribeca; Waldorf Astoria, representing the owner in several aspects; The Nederlander Organization in the creative TSX Development involving lifting its landmarked Palace Theater to create retail frontage on Times Square and to unify signage; the acquisitions of 452 5th Ave. and 576 5th Ave.; CIM in the development of 432 Park Ave. and related matters; multiple parties involved in the development and financing of Central Park Tower; and Time Warner Center, representing Related-Apollo in the $1.7 billion development of the premier mixed-use complex in Columbus Circle. He also led the sale of Stribling & Associates to Compass and the sale of The Sunshine Group to NRT Corcoran.

In another notable and unique project, Jay represents an owner of Broadway theaters in the sale involving a mixed-use building in Times Square, in which the seller retained ownership of the landmarked theater currently at street level. As part of the purchaser’s redevelopment of the property, the purchaser intends to lift the theater by up to 30 feet above its current location to allow for retail space at street level, and will renovate the theater for the seller. 

Jay has played an integral role in advancing state and local legislative and policy changes on behalf of clients, including representing the owner of multiple large residential complexes and the owner and developer of major sports entertainment venues. He has had significant involvement in the adoption of federal and state legislation, including the adoption of amended Section 365(h) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (preserving the integrity of leasehold financings), the limitations enacted in 2016 regarding the Interstate Land Full Disclosure Act and other property-specific legislation, as well as New York State executive orders relating to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on real estate, and is regularly invited to review and comment upon, often in advance, pending New York State legislation related to real estate.

Jay regularly advises clients in the hotel and hospitality industry on the acquisition and development of properties, as well as on loan restructurings. He has been involved in several unique hospitality-related products for several clients, including the iconic Plaza Hotel and the St. Regis Hotel. He represented Starwood Hotels in the sale of several hotels including the Sheraton Manhattan and the retail portion of the St. Regis, and advised Korman Communities in the acquisition of the Smyth Hotel.

Jay also has deep experience in workouts and restructuring of properties in every asset class, including condominiums, hotels, commercial properties, hospitals and senior care facilities, in New York and other cities. Recently, he led a team of Litigation, Bankruptcy, Land Use and Real Estate lawyers in a financing, mezzanine foreclosure and bankruptcy involving a large development site near Sutton Place in Manhattan, and successfully defended the client against attempts to stop construction by rezoning the site. He has also advised both NYU-Langone Medical Center and Mount Sinai Hospital, as well as other not-for-profits and owners, in several leasehold condominium transactions.

On a national scale, Jay has facilitated the development of numerous regional and local shopping centers and other commercial projects throughout the country. He represented the owners of Starrett City, the largest federally subsidized housing complex in the United States, in a major capital transaction; represented the previous operator of Stuyvesant Town in a variety of matters; and guided the sale of a major casino hotel in Las Vegas on behalf of the owners.

Jay has been ranked in Tier 1 for Real Estate by Chambers USA every year for more than 15 years, recently citing a source who said “Jay is simply one of the best real estate attorneys in the country.” Other sources laud Jay as “an expert in the field [who] provides commercial, reasonable advice,” “the consummate professional offering unparalleled strategic advice” and “a seasoned expert with excellent situational awareness who provides thoughtful and tailored guidance.” Jay’s “industry knowledge and experience is unparalleled,” and he “is simply one of the most connected real estate people … in the market.” He “provides very effective representation and is very pleasant to work with.” Jay has been described as “a brilliant and dynamic individual,” “impressive — really sharp and very commercial,” “one of the best real estate lawyers in New York” and “a phenomenal and very, very creative attorney.” Lauded by clients as “one of our most trusted advisers,” Jay “is incredibly responsive and committed to client care. He understands client needs and helps develop practical solutions.” Clients appreciate that “he looks after his clients, is always available and responsive, and is very knowledgeable in the business.” One client recently noted to Chambers that “his sage advice on complicated deals is highly valued within our firm.”