Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., a leading New York City real estate law firm, has announced that David J. Rosenberg has joined the firm’s expanding roster of attorneys as Of Counsel within the Transactions Department. Rosenberg will strengthen the land use and zoning practice through his experience acting as an advocate for owners and developers navigating complex regulatory processes at a time of tremendous upheaval.
His practice brings extensive government relations experience to the award-winning Rosenberg & Estis team as the city works to modernize and update zoning regulations to support small businesses, create affordable housing, and promote sustainability under its ‘City of Yes’ vision for a more inclusive, equitable New York.
“As the city and state work to reform zoning to address crises on multiple fronts, David will be a vital resource to clients seeking best-in-class representation as they position themselves to take advantage of new development opportunities,” said Michael E. Lefkowitz, Managing Member of Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. and a Leader of the firm’s Transactions Department.
Rosenberg regularly advises developers, institutions and multigenerational property owners on a wide range of zoning and land use issues, including transfers of development rights, rezonings, special permits, variances, environmental review, site selection, massing and use studies, and compliance issues.
In addition to his advisory and transactional work, Rosenberg manages a full range of discretionary land use applications before the city’s land use agencies, including the City Planning Commission and Board of Standards and Appeals. He also leverages his network of relationships in and around New York government and politics to properly advise clients of the latest trends in New York City land use policy, as well as develop effective outreach strategies for their projects.
Rosenberg has played a substantial role in multiple high-profile cases. He obtained City Planning Authorizations to facilitate the $289 million refinancing of an 800-unit residential development on the East River Waterfront and represented developers in a rezoning to facilitate Brooklyn’s largest privately funded affordable housing development.
“Rosenberg & Estis is a recognized leader with a deep and talented pool of attorneys known to fight hard for their clients,” said Rosenberg. “As the city proposes significant changes to land use to tackle housing and economic crises, I am honored to bring my experience working on complex projects throughout the city to a group with a reputation of helping clients accomplish their goals.”
Prior to joining Rosenberg & Estis, Rosenberg was an Associate with Phillips Nizer LLP. He began his legal career at Sheldon Lobel, P.C., one of the city’s premier zoning and land use boutiques.
He achieved his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law after earning his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College, CUNY. He has served on the New York City Bar Association Committee on Land Use, Planning and Zoning since 2019.