Elise Kessler

I lead the firm’s transactional practice. Over the course of my career, I have guided clients through thousands of real estate transactions.

Before joining Braverman Greenspun, I played a prominent role in a variety of small and medium sized real estate law firms. I have found that an individualized client approach that can be provided to clients in a small firm setting achieves the best results. It is my firm belief that a client is best served when the attorney handling their matter takes the time to understand their needs and what they want to achieve from the transaction. This approach dovetails with the way Braverman Greenspun has been servicing its clients for more than fifty years.

A good transactional attorney understands that no two deals are the same; each one has a unique aspect to it which creates a challenge that requires hard work and a creative solution. One of the most rewarding and satisfying aspects of my practice is finding that unique solution or solving the problem through that extra bit of effort.

During my career, I have prepared cooperative and condominium offering plans and created hundreds of mixed use condominiums, many of which contained an affordable housing component, through the preparation and filing of “no action” letters. I have also negotiated condominium documents with multiple owners and lenders, including HFA, HDC and HPD. Drawing on this experience, I advise boards on a broad array of issues involving formation and governance of condominiums and cooperatives.

Representing co-op and condominium boards also requires an ability to build consensus among individuals who do not always see eye to eye. During my twelve years as a member of the New Castle Town Board, I was instrumental in resolving challenging issues that required finding consensus among residents and stakeholders with widely varying viewpoints and goals. Because I’ve “been there”, I understand the challenges that co-op and condominium board members often face and am therefore in a strong position to not only provide sound legal advice, but equally—and sometimes even more importantly—the best practical approach to deal with an issue.