Kaufman Dolowich expands construction practice with four attorneys

 

 

 

 

Westchester, NY Kaufman Dolowich LLP, a  national law firm, began onboarding of four attorneys to its construction law practice group: partners Daniel Katz and Steven Cramer, of counsel Robert Howard, and associate Megan Gardner. The team joins from Rich, Intelisano & Katz, LLP, a firm co-founded by Katz. Katz will be based in the firm’s Westchester office, Cramer and Gardner in New York City, and Howard in Woodbury.

With more than 60 years of combined experience, Katz and Cramer have built a solid reputation representing a diverse range of clients in the construction industry, including owners, developers, construction managers and subcontractors. They are adept at handling complex construction litigation and contract matters, making their addition to Kaufman Dolowich a significant enhancement to the firm’s capabilities in this sector.

Before entering private practice, Howard was an assistant corporation counsel for the New York City law department commercial and real estate litigation division. A litigator with more than 20 years’ experience successfully defending cases in federal and state courts, he represents a wide range of clients in and beyond the construction industry, in corporate litigation, real estate contracts and mortgage foreclosures, banking litigation, and in employment disputes.

Gardner counsels construction and real estate clients in the negotiation and drafting of construction contracts, and contracts relating to the development of commercial and residential properties. She also represents industry clients in contract disputes, defect and delay claims, commercial disputes and mechanic’s lien claim, and represents clients in construction arbitrations and mediations, including before the American Arbitration Association.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us, as Kaufman Dolowich’s sophisticated team and extensive resources provide an excellent platform for us to further grow our practice,” said Katz.

“We have long admired the firm and are thrilled to be part of such a well-regarded group.”

In addition to representing clients in litigation and arbitration matters, Katz and Cramer negotiate construction contracts, as well as access agreements, and their commercial litigation experience includes representing clients faced with breach of contract claims, fraud claims, those involved in real estate disputes, and they also represent clients filing and enforcing New York mechanic’s liens and complying with New York State Lien Law.

The group shares a prior working relationship with Andrew Richards, co-chair of the firm’s construction law practice group and co-managing partner of the Woodbury office, who played a key role in encouraging the foursome’s move.

 “I could not be more thrilled to welcoming Daniel, Steven, Robert and Megan to our firm,” said Richards. “I have known Daniel and Steven for over 25 years as we had worked together at a construction law boutique firm.  The construction industry is complex, and clients need counsel who understand how to navigate all the innerworkings and nuances of the trade; and this team gets it, as I have observed them dominate the industry for many years now. They are a definite feather in the cap for our team.” 

Firm managing partner Michael Kaufman said, “We are pleased to have such a talented group of attorneys join us. Their extensive experience and respected standing in the construction industry will greatly benefit our firm and our clients.”

Katz received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School, his M.A. from the University of Michigan and his B.A., summa cum laude, from State University of New York at Buffalo. He is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell; named among Chambers USA 2024: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in Construction; is a “Super Lawyer” in the area of Construction Litigation (New York, NY, 2006-2024); and was named “Construction Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers (2023).

Cramer received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, where he was a Carswell Scholar, and his B.A. from St. John’s College.

Howard received his J.D., with honors, from Touro University’s Touro Law Center, and his B.A., with honors, from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Gardner received her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and her B.A. from American University. She is a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in the area of Construction Litigation (New York, NY, 2018, 2019, 2021-2024).