2025 Year in Review: Michael Vardaro, Zetlin & De Chiara LLP

What transaction, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New York CRE market this year? 

The completion of the JP Morgan Chase headquarters was an incredible testament to the fortitude of the the New York spirit. With naysayers seemingly over-focused on the headwinds that the New York commercial real estate market faces, this project exemplifies that New York always cuts through those obstacles. The spectacular building is a symbol of the strength of New York and more generally, the United States.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? 

Artificial Intelligence is involved in most of the conversations we have today, and its effect on the legal industry servicing real estate and construction is no different. Our firm was an early adopter of AI as a tool. With proper training and use we are able to harness the powerful tools made possible by AI to provide a better level and more efficient legal solution for most projects. We are obviously at the beginning stages of this technological advancement, but harnessing its power has separated our firm from our competitors.