Our team has over 35 years of experience representing NYC cooperative and condominium boards and management companies.
Our co-op and condo practice provides counsel on governance matters to keep buildings and relationships running smoothly. Our attorneys have represented co-op and condo boards across all five boroughs, from small walk-ups to large managed buildings. We combine real estate law expertise with a deep understanding of board governance and the unique challenges of multi-owner communities.
We bring clarity and legal confidence to the complexities of managing shared residential spaces. We help co-op and condo boards navigate various matters:
At JLC & Associates, we work to protect both the legal integrity and day-to-day functionality of your building. We offer practical, proactive counsel that helps boards make clear, consistent, and compliant decisions.
Information about our co-op and condor board legal representation services, processes, and what to expect when working with our team.
Board counsel serves as a legal advisor to the board on matters that affect the building and its residents. This includes reviewing and updating governing documents (proprietary leases, by-laws, house rules), advising on shareholder and unit owner disputes, reviewing management and vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with local and state regulations, and representing the building in refinancing transactions. We provide practical, proactive guidance that helps boards make informed decisions.
Yes. Co-ops and condos have different legal structures. Co-ops are corporations governed by proprietary leases and by-laws, while condos are governed by declarations and by-laws. Despite those differences, many of the governance challenges are similar. We represent both and adapt our approach to the specific legal framework and needs of each building.
Yes. Governing documents should be reviewed periodically to ensure they reflect current law, building operations, and the needs of shareholders or unit owners. We review existing proprietary leases, by-laws, and house rules, identify provisions that may be outdated or legally problematic, and draft amendments for board consideration.
We help boards develop clear, consistent policies for subletting and apartment alterations, and then advise on individual requests as they come in. For subleases, this includes reviewing proposed sublease agreements, ensuring compliance with the proprietary lease and house rules, and advising on fees and approval conditions. For alterations, we review alteration agreements, ensure proper insurance requirements are met, and help the board protect common areas and building infrastructure. A well-documented policy helps avoid disputes and ensures every request is handled fairly.
Yes. When a co-op refinances its underlying mortgage or line of credit, board counsel plays a critical role in reviewing loan documents, negotiating terms with the lender, coordinating with the building's accountant and management company, and ensuring the transaction complies with the building's governing documents. We've represented boards in refinancing transactions with both institutional and private lenders and work to secure terms that serve the building's long-term financial health.
The management company relationship is one of the most consequential decisions a board makes. We advise boards on reviewing management agreements, paying particular attention to fee structures, termination provisions, transition requirements, and the scope of services included. If you're considering a change, we can help evaluate proposals, negotiate contract terms, and ensure a smooth transition that protects the building's operations and financial records.
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