Areas of Focus
“My approach is to get deals done quickly and efficiently. Time is the enemy of deals. The more time a deal takes, the greater likelihood it won’t be consummated. While I am zealous in representing my client, I also respect the other party’s lawyer and make a point of cultivating a good working relationship with that lawyer.”
Overview
A real estate attorney for more than 50 years, Gerry Uram knows the leasing market and brings uncommon skill in analyzing and advising on the legal and business issues that arise and impact the leasing of properties. A recognized leader in the field, he represents both landlords and tenants in complex commercial leases, and investors, purchasers and sellers in acquiring and disposing of commercial buildings.
Over the years, he has negotiated acquisitions, dispositions, leases and subleases for industry-leading companies for some of the most desirable properties in New York City. He handled headquarters leases for major companies such as Mastercard International, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Saatchi & Saatchi, MONY, The Segal Company, Meredith Corporation, the Associated Press, Lehman Brothers, Raymond James, Boston Consulting Group and the National Football League, among others. He also represents 140 Broadway, TF Cornerstone Inc., Oxford Properties Group, Westbrook Partners, Savanna Fund, American Realty Advisors, Kato International, Milstein Properties and a number of other New York City landlords.
Gerry believes in closing deals, not standing in the way. Recognizing that the parties to a lease are in it for the long term, he avoids hostility and aggression, which only taint the parties’ long-term relationship. Instead, he focuses on clearly expressing his client’s intent, protecting the client’s interests, and getting the deal done swiftly and without contention.
The founding member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, Gerry chaired the group for 38 years, growing it from a single-member practice to a highly regarded team of fifteen lawyers.
Representative Experience
Advised a fashion retailer in the surrender of 295,000 square feet in New York City's NoHo neighborhood and the subleasing of 325,000 square feet in the Financial District to serve as its new corporate headquarters.
Represented a global law firm in its lease at 1221 Avenue of the Americas in New York City for 187,000 rentable square feet.
Represented a publishing company in three separate subleases totaling more than 200,000 square feet at 485 Lexington Avenue and 750 Third Avenue.
Represented a global financial services firm in over 50 deals throughout the country as part of bankruptcy proceedings to protect assets and recover their value.
Represented a landmark apartment building in a condominium conversion including modifying existing retail leases and new leasing of garage space and vacant retail space.
Represented a real estate investment management company in lease negotiations with a New York City public development corporation, including warehousing and office space.
Represented a public financial services company in the consolidation of three offices. We negotiated a lease of approximately 160,000 square feet, one of the biggest transactions finalized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Representing a privately held real estate management company in lease negotiations and further amendments with a commercial real estate company in its expansion of co-working spaces in New York City.
Insights + Events
- Event Practising Law Institute | Negotiating Commercial Leases Virtual Conference 2022
February 24, 2022
- Event Practising Law Institute Negotiating Commercial Leases Virtual Conference
February 25, 2021
- Event Practising Law Institute Negotiating Commercial Leases 2020
February 27, 2020
- Event Practising Law Institute’s Negotiating Commercial Leases 2019
February 28, 2019
- Event Practising Law Institute’s Negotiating Commercial Leases 2018
March 1, 2018
- Event Practising Law Institute’s Negotiating Commercial Leases 2017
March 2, 2017
Credentials
Education
- Yale Law School (LL.B., 1967)
- Dartmouth College (B.A., 1963)
Distinctions
- The Best Lawyers in America® 2011-2025, Real Estate Law
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business® 2009-2024, New York Real Estate: Mainly Dirt
- Legal 500 United States® 2013-2016, Real Estate
- New York Metro Super Lawyers® 2006-2023, Real Estate
- New York Metro Super Lawyers® “Top 100” 2008-2013 and 2015
Bar Admissions
- New York
Associations
Member, American Bar Association
Member, New York State Bar Association
Member, New York City Bar Association
Member, Board of Trustees, St. Francis Friends of the Poor