Daniel J. Ansell

Daniel J. Ansell is Co-Chair of the Real Estate Litigation Practice and Chairs the Real Estate Operations Practice. Daniel represents real estate firms, property management companies, financial institutions, corporations, hotels and insurance companies in connection with their use, management and operation of commercial real estate. He has represented clients in real estate litigation, commercial lease disputes, bankruptcy proceedings, construction and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues, leasing, brokerage disputes and high stakes state and federal court litigation. Daniel also represents owners in environmental disputes, telecommunication issues, zoning and land use litigation and insurance disputes.

In the year 2000, Daniel created the Real Estate Operations Practice ( REOPs ) to address the day-to-day needs of the real estate industry. This department incorporates and cross-trains attorneys in several legal disciplines relevant to the ownership and operation of real estate. REOPs provides an integrated approach to legal issues in property ownership and management and has grown to more than 50 attorneys in offices across the United States. The department has handled matters nationwide including representations in New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Delaware, Connecticut, Texas, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Throughout his career, Daniel has represented clients in major real estate transactions and litigations. For example, in 2006 he represented Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ( MetLife ) in the sale of Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town ( PCV/ST ) for $5.4 billion - reported to be the largest real estate sale of its kind in U.S. history. Subsequent to the sale, Daniel represented MetLife in Roberts v. Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., et al., a highly publicized case that was ultimately argued at the New York State Court of Appeals. In 2012, Daniel secured a $10.5 million settlement from the initial $210 million claim.

Concentrations

•Real estate litigation and arbitration
•Construction litigation
•Leasing
•Bankruptcy litigation
•Real estate brokerage commission disputes
•Complex commercial litigation
•Appellate practice
•Letters of credit and suretyship issues
•Hotel and resort litigation
•Insurance disputes
•Environmental disputes
•Building security issues
•Commercial lending
•Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
•Real estate transaction due diligence
•Catastrophe planning and response

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Real Estate, 2018-2020
•Team Member, Chambers USA Award for Excellence, Real Estate, 2017-2018
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2007-2019
•Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers , Best Law Firms Edition, Law Firm of the Year, Real Estate - Litigation, 2017
•Named, Client Service All-Star, BTI Client Service All-Stars Report, 2015
•Member, Winning Team, U.S. News - Best Lawyers Law Firm of the Year in Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2013
•Team Member, The Legal 500 United States, Top Tier Firm in Real Estate, 2013
•Team Member, a Law360 Real Estate Practice Group of the Year, 2011 and 2012
•Team Member, a Law360 “Appellate Practice Group of the Year,” 2010 and 2011
•Member, Winning Team, ChambersUSA Award, Excellence in Real Estate, 2010
•Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5