We are proud to announce that 18 Sahn Ward attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, marking the 13th consecutive year that a majority of our firm’s attorneys have received this distinction. Representing a wide range of practice areas, this recognition reflects the exceptional talent, professional excellence, and dedication to client service demonstrated by our attorneys. We congratulate all 18 attorneys on this well-deserved achievement.
Partner Danny D. De Voe and Associate Hillary K. Massey examine a new statute in the New York Labor Law focused on employee personnel files, scheduled to take effect Nov. 8 - despite broad and sometimes contradictory provisions. Expect the State Legislature to work on sharpening the updated law in 2027. But as Danny and Hillary note, employers must prepare immediately to comply with new requirements.
Co-Managing Member Michael H. Sahn, Partner Danny D. De Voe, and Partner Joshua D. Brookstein have been recognized in Best Lawyers 2027. Michael was honored for his work in Land Use and Zoning Law, representing clients across a wide range of sophisticated development matters. Josh was also recognized for his work in Land Use and Zoning Law, as well as work in Municipal Law, while Danny was honored for her work in Labor and Employment Law, advising and representing clients on complex workplace and employment matters.
Partner Christopher R. DeNicola has been named one of Long Island Business News’ 2026 Emerging Leaders Under 30. This prestigious recognition honors young professionals who make meaningful contributions to their industries and communities through leadership and innovation. Christopher concentrates his practice in New York City zoning and land-use planning, representing real estate owners, developers, lenders and not-for-profit institutions in a wide range of development matters.
Congratulations to Co-Managing Member Michael H. Sahn, who has been selected as a 2026 Law Influencer by Long Island Business News. The Law Influencer recognition highlights leaders from Long Island’s legal community who have distinguished themselves through their professional accomplishments and contributions to the legal profession – and spotlights Michael’s dedication to his clients and increasing body of impressive achievements.
John L. Parker moderated the “Meeting the Evolving Due Diligence Challenge of PFAS and the Forever Chemicals” discussion at the Fall Meeting of the New York State Bar Association’s Environmental and Energy Law Section. The panel brought together a leading scientific expert, transactional attorney, and environmental insurance executive to review the environmental implications and liabilities associated with PFAS in commercial and real estate transactions. John serves as the Second Vice Chair of the Environmental and Energy Law Section.
Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano was proud to take the reins as lead sponsor of the 2026 CBIZ Workplace Challenge. The July 28 event at Jones Beach State Park brought together businesses from across Long Island for a 3.5-mile run/walk and an evening celebration of teamwork, generosity and community.
In Michael H. Sahn’s most recent article for Innovate Long Island, he examines the rapid growth of data centers and the evolving land use, zoning and environmental issues surrounding their development. As demand for data centers continues to grow, Michael highlights the importance of balancing technological advancement and economic development with increasing infrastructure demands, environmental considerations, energy and resource needs, and the potential impact on local communities.
We’re pleased to share that Partner Samuel Bifulco has secured approval for Pets4Luv, a non-profit 501(c)(3), in connection with its proposed animal rescue in Levittown within the Town of Hempstead.
The Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals granted the requested relief, including a special exception to operate an animal rescue and a waiver of off-street parking requirements.
This milestone represents an important step forward in supporting Pets4Luv’s mission to provide care and safe placement for animals in need. We’re proud to be part of a project that will make a meaningful impact in the community.
Samuel assisted the client with land use and zoning due diligence, guided the transaction from contract through the closing of title, and will continue to advance the matter through the entitlement phase administered by the Town of Brookhaven and County of Suffolk.
From start to finish, our Firm is committed to counseling our clients through every stage of a project. From land use and zoning due diligence, to transactional real estate, through the entitlement and development phase, we pride ourselves on providing project continuity, strategic counsel, and practical solutions throughout.
Firm Member Michael H. Sahn, along with Senior Counsel Eugene Martin, guided our client in the sale of an automotive use property on Northern Boulevard in Great Neck to an established local real estate investor user. The $3,150,000.00 sale closed on January 27th.
We were gratified to accomplish this sale for our client who had owned the property for many years.
Joshua Brookstein successfully guided variance approvals to pave the way for PILAR Coffee Bar & Iced Treats, the very first tenant at Bryant Plaza—a newly completed 54-unit luxury apartment building at 333 Warner Avenue, Roslyn, New York. Pilar is an upscale coffee destination offering a chic ambiance, curated dining options, and signature iced treats, including handcrafted gelato made in-house. A perfect match for this vibrant new development! Our Firm secured the original land use approvals that brought Bryant Plaza to life. We’re thrilled to see the vision for this property begin to take shape with such a dynamic and community-focused first tenant.
We are pleased to share that Firm member, Elisabetta T. Coschignano, assisted by associate, Meaghan Hassan, successfully secured approval from the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for an upscale cafe' tenant to occupy ground floor space in The Langdon, a new mixed-use development located in the heart of Lynbrook, New York. Perfectly situated adjacent to the Lynbrook LIRR station, the café will bring a refined and welcoming experience to commuters and residents alike. This addition supports ongoing revitalization efforts in the area and highlights our Firm's continued success in facilitating thoughtfully curated retail components in transit-oriented developments.
We are pleased to announce a successful land use approval for our client in Ronkonkoma. Under the guidance of Associate Attorney, Samuel Bifulco, the Firm secured key approvals for a 4-lot subdivision, along with the necessary area variances from the Town of Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals. Sam’s work also involved navigating the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation review process to address and resolve environmental conditions at the site. This project demonstrates our Firm’s ability to navigate various state, county, and local regulations as we assist our clients in realizing their development goals.
Firm Member, Elisabetta T. Coschignano, and Associate, Samuel Bifulco, successfully guided the Firm’s client with the entitlement process for a prestigious 5-lot residential subdivision in Woodbury, featuring five new high-end homes to be constructed. Elisabetta and Sam guided the Firm's client with the land use entitlements from the preliminary subdivision approvals through Final Map Approval from the Nassau County Planning Commission. We are honored to assist our clients and deliver comprehensive legal guidance throughout all phases of this project.
Co-Managing Member, Michael H. Sahn, and Associate, Samuel Bifulco, recently obtained key municipal approvals for the construction and development of a state-of-the-art Audi dealership in Westbury. The project began with securing site plan approval from the Town of Oyster Bay Planning Advisory Board and culminated with an approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals granting several key variances, allowing the project to move forward accordingly. This project demonstrates the strategic legal services and guidance we provide in coordinating the approval process for large, complex development projects with a highly talented team of experts and design professionals, our clients’ representatives and municipal officials, boards and agencies to bring the project to reality.
We are pleased to share that our team, led by Firm Member Elisabetta T. Coschignano with support from Associate Samuel Bifulco, has successfully advanced approvals for a new Taco Bell with drive-thru in Patchogue, Town of Brookhaven. The project required a comprehensive entitlement strategy, securing change of zone, site plan approval, commercial land division and special permit for a major restaurant with Drive-Thru and outdoor seating. This achievement reflects our team’s continued commitment to navigating complex land use processes and delivering projects that bring both economic opportunity and community benefit.
Co-Managing Member, Michael Sahn, and Associate, Samuel Bifulco, secured municipal approvals before the Town of Oyster Bay for the construction of a new pickleball facility, designed to bring expanded recreational and social options to the community. The project includes 7 pickleball courts, social and seating areas, a grab-and-go food station, and a retail space, a unique destination for residents and visitors alike. Michael and Sam first obtained a Special Permit from the Town Board to allow for the recreational use, followed by a Zoning Board of Appeals approval for significant parking-related relief, allowing this vibrant project to move forward. As a firm, we recognize the value of community-driven recreational development across Long Island and are proud to support projects that enhance the quality of life for all those who live, work, and recreate on Long Island.
Firm Member, Elisabetta Tredici Coschignano and Associate, Samuel Bifulco successfully guided the Firm’s client with the entitlement process for a prestigious 5-lot residential subdivision in Woodbury, featuring five new high-end homes to be constructed. Elisabetta and Sam guided the Firm's client with the land use entitlements from the preliminary subdivision approvals through Final Map Approval from the Nassau County Planning Commission. We are honored to assist our clients and deliver comprehensive legal guidance throughout all phases of this project.
Co-Managing Partner Michael Sahn, along with associate Meaghan Hassan, successfully guided land use and zoning approvals from the Village of Roslyn Board of Trustees for an exciting 45-unit waterfront apartment building on Hempstead Harbor. After a series of public hearings, our team obtained key development incentive bonuses that made this transformative project possible. We are especially grateful to the BOT and building officials of the Village of Roslyn for their thoughtful review and consideration of the project that will feature a public waterfront walkway connecting the site to downtown Roslyn — a true win for the building’s residents and the broader community. This approval is the result of a truly collaborative effort with a standout team. The building’s innovative and striking design was expertly crafted by the architects at UpStudio complemented by beautifully considered landscape architecture from Bayview Landscape Architecture. The project’s civil engineering needs were handled with precision and professionalism by the team at Northcoast Civil, aided by R&M Engineering ’s expert traffic analysis. It was a pleasure to work alongside each of these firms — and we’re excited to see this vision come to fruition.
Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano is pleased to announce the expansion of its Suffolk County office at 1300 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, New York 11788. Our expansion reflects the Firm’s sustained growth and increasing demand for its services throughout Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region.
The article focuses on an often-overlooked area in the AI discussion - how government, and specifically, regulatory agencies, are working to determine how AI can be effectively and ethically used by government. The article focuses on common issues facing complex regulatory agencies that deal with data heavy areas of law, such as energy and environmental law.
In Michael Sahn’s most recent Innovate Long Island article, he discusses that as Generative AI reshapes the world of law, lawyers must master and shape GenAI to benefit their clients, the justice system, and the public. Read the full article below.
Since the New York City Council adopted the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning text amendment one year ago, there has been a significant increase in development rights (a/k/a “air rights”) transactions across the City.
The Annual Meeting of the New York State Bar Association kicks off on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in Mid-Town Manhattan. The Annual Meeting enables lawyers from all over the state to meet with fellow practitioners, to network and to attend panels led by experts in their respective fields on topics that will impact their practice areas. Two Sahn Ward Partner’s will be taking leading roles at the Annual Meeting, serving as program chairs and sitting as panelists.