Areas of Focus
“I don’t waste time or money arguing over issues that will never materialize or affect the client. I strive to be the advisor whose judgment clients will trust most when making decisions for their business.”
Overview
Seth Chaikin, a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, has extensive experience in commercial office and retail leasing and licensing, acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects. His clients include owners and tenants ranging from global industry leaders and private equity groups to start-ups and small, family-owned businesses.
Whether advising industry titans on lease agreements for new headquarters, publicly traded companies on real estate portfolios, individuals opening their first restaurant or a private equity fund navigating its nationwide holdings, Seth brings business and legal savvy that pave the way to success.
Taking a practical approach, he collaborates with his clients to clarify goals, identify and resolve obstacles, leverage opportunities, and manage time wisely. With a big picture focus and his clients’ bottom line in mind, Seth hones in on what matters most in a deal.
As the real estate sector strives to adapt to changing consumer demand and a rethinking of all categories of commercial space, Seth responds swiftly with pragmatism and keen attention to detail. Focusing on material concerns and risks, he resolves complicated and multifaceted issues and successfully navigates clients through an evolving landscape.
Representative Experience
Represented a real estate private equity fund in completing the leasing of its sister properties. Negotiated office leases of over 250,000 square feet with a bank, over 90,000 square feet with a financial services company and over 70,000 square feet for the corporate offices of a high-end retail brand, as well as retail leases with a national drug store chain, a small coffee shop, a boutique fitness shop, and a restaurant.
Assisted a real estate private equity fund reposition its shopping centers as a top destination for shoppers in New York. Negotiated leases with Starbucks, Dave & Busters, DMV, Sephora, a sports bar chain and medical offices in New York City and New Jersey.
Represented a major American retailer in relocating its design center in New York City. Negotiated a lease of over 200,000 square feet, one of the largest leases in 2020 in Manhattan.
Representing a private equity fund in the leasing of a 650,000 square foot building to multiple tenants including major insurance companies, the GSA, and multiple financial service firms.
Represented a family-owned real estate firm in multiple New York street level retail leases, including white tablecloth restaurants and luxury apparel stores.
Represented a medical company in the sale of a medical facility, the final step in a long-term strategy.
Represented a private real estate company in the sale of a development site in Flushing, Queens for over $65 million.
Negotiated various contracts for the construction of an international financial institution’s new U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, including a $75 million build-out contract.
Insights + Events
- Checklist Last-Mile Logistics – Seven Common Issues
April 14, 2021
- Checklist Industrial Properties – Last-Mile Logistics
February 24, 2021
- Press Release Davis+Gilbert Represents Tishman Speyer in Lease With Pfizer For 800,000 S.F. of Office Space in Hudson Yards
April 12, 2018
- Event FoodWorks | Navigating Your First Pop Up Restaurant, Retail Store or Lease
June 28, 2017
- Event Harvard Business School Startup Studio | What You Should Be Thinking About When Finding and Leasing Retail Space
April 27, 2017
Credentials
Education
- Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 2007)
- University of Michigan (B.A., 2004)
Distinctions
- New York Metro Super Lawyers® 2020-2024, Real Estate
- New York Metro Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” 2017-2018, Real Estate
Bar Admissions
- New York
Associations
Member, Davis+Gilbert Health Insurance Plans Committee
Member, New York State Bar Association