News:
Spotlight Content
Posted: June 24, 2025
2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Lauren Younkins, Younkins & Schecter LLP
Attorney
Younkins & Schecter LLP
“Lauren’s work is always meticulously well thought out and she is a pleasure to work with! Lauren is one of the primary attorneys working on two commercial-to-residential conversion projects for the Vanbarton Group. She has been at the forefront of the negotiations and contracts for the participating engineers, architects, construction managers and other contractors. Her already extensive experience with this burgeoning asset class is impressive and thorough.” - Mardi Schecter, Co-Managing Partner, Younkins & Schecter LLP.
Who has been pivotal in your professional development, and how have they influenced you? Without question, our firm’s co-managing partners Mardi Schecter and Kathy Younkins, who is also my aunt, have been pivotal in my career. As the founders of one of the most prominent women-owned law firms specializing in commercial real estate, their work has influenced many young women lawyers. Upon graduating from law school, I considered several different types of practices. But Mardi and Kathy’s passion for their work and exceptional level of competence set a paradigm that I wanted to be a part of.
What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? It is often hard to gauge your progress when starting out. My best advice for newly minted lawyers is to not be afraid to ask for help or admit that you don’t know something. Be honest and aware of your limitations. Find a mentor. Seek guidance. Don’t try to fake it.
What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? We recently started working on our 4th and 5th commercial-to-residential conversion projects for the Vanbarton Group. In response to changing conditions in the real estate market and legislative initiatives encouraging such repositioning, these projects have ramped up. As these projects have grown, I’ve grown with them, managing increased volume, speed, and complexity. It’s exciting to be part of these projects, which raise a host of complex legal issues and address several social and economic issues, including sustainability and affordable housing.
Tags:
Spotlight Content
MORE FROM Spotlight Content
Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin
When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
.png)
Quick Hits
.jpg)
Columns and Thought Leadership
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian
In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen
The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:
Formal Legislative Role
• Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary
Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra
Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe
Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
.gif)