Stephen Meister, Co-Founder of MSS is widely regarded for his comprehensive knowledge of real estate matters. His critically acclaimed book, Commercial Real Estate Restructuring Revolution (Wiley, 2010), has been used as a textbook in NYU’s real estate program.
A skilled transactional attorney with a deft understanding of leases, sale agreements, and financing documents, Mr. Meister provides savvy and experienced counsel to his clients. A battle-tested trial attorney, Mr. Meister is known by many of the nation’s finest jurists, including the Commercial Division judges in New York County, for his zealous and disciplined advocacy.
Having tried many high stakes trials, Mr. Meister is no mere “litigator,” adept only at pre-trial discovery and motion practice; he is a proven trial lawyer with an outstanding track record. Combined with his considerable transactional experience, Mr. Meister brings a powerful deal-making presence to the table to facilitate case settlement.
Mr. Meister, a successful real estate investor, developer, and published op-ed author, brings a practical business approach to all legal representations. He represents diversified clients including individual real estate entrepreneurs and investors, real estate investment trusts, hedge funds and private real estate equity funds.
An accomplished multi-engine, instrument rated pilot and boat captain, Mr. Meister understands the importance of self-reliance and the need for precision.
EDUCATION
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. J.D. (Cum Laude/Law Review)
State University of New York at Stony Brook. B.S.
ADMISSIONS
State of New York
Supreme Court of Maryland
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Obtained a temporary restraining order preventing Bank of America, Wells Fargo and the Fed from wiping out over $3 billion dollars of mezzanine debt, subsequently driving the Extended Stay Hotel franchise into bankruptcy — the largest hotel bankruptcy in US history.
Represented owner/developer Larry Gluck, preventing the rent-stabilization of the 1,300 unit Independence Plaza project in Tribeca, and in the process, preserved hundreds of millions in value and defeated the United States, represented by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, in a related qui tam whistleblower case.
Represented SL Green in making the largest “tender” in New York history, thereby enabling resolution of the mortgage debt against 1775 Broadway, a/k/a 3 Columbus Circle.
Represented Donald Trump on his ethics complaint against former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Represented developer Steve Witkoff defending challenges to his condominium project at 150 Charles Street.
Represented Winthrop Realty in its bid to obtain a ground lease estoppel at a High Line property.
Represented L and L Holdings in a construction dispute at 425 Park Avenue.
Represented developer Harry Macklowe in his bid to extend a mortgage loan for 510 Madison Avenue.
Represented Connecticut investor Ambase in its effort to protect its $70 plus million equity investment in 111 West 57th Street, a condominium tower rivaling the height of the Empire State Building.
Represented Starwood Capital in a court battle with a tenant at 1414 Avenue of the Americas.
Represented Ziel Feldman, Nir Meir and HFZ Realty concerning condominium sales 301 West 53rd Street.
Represented SL Green in a dispute with a loan servicer at 1604 Broadway.
Represented global energy and shipping conglomerate Essar Global in disputes with Midtown Acquisitions and the Bank of India.
Represented Steven Ivankovich and Atlas Residential in claims of bid rigging and collusion against Macquarie Bank and KKR.
Represented a series of leading brokers in commissions claims against Cushman and Wakefield, who was adjudged a “wage thief” as a result.
Represented Ralph Sitt in his years-long battle with his brothers over Two Herald Square and other Sitt properties.
Represented the Landis Group with respect to lender liability claims.
Obtained $100 million cash recovery on a suit against a non-recourse carve-out guarantor.
Represented the provocative internet star, Milo Yiannopolous, on his claims against publishing powerhouse Simon and Schuster.
Represented John Cuticelli and ARK against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, regarding ARK’s equestrian and animal facility at JFK.
HONORS
New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2006 – 2022
America’s Most Sought After Real Estate & Trial Lawyer, Mann Report, October 2009
Former Adjunct Professor, Condominium Law, Cardozo Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
INVOLVEMENT
Former Adjunct Professor, Condominium Law, Cardozo Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Regularly interviewed by Fox Business Network and CNBC on finance policy and regulation impacting real estate investors, financiers, and homeowners in New York and nationwide.
Regularly quoted by the New York Post, Real Deal and other real estate business periodicals and publications.
“A Personal Assessment of Donald Trump,” The Washington Examiner, September 27, 2015
“A Fast Frisk Appeal,” New York Post, August 26, 2013
“Housing’s Also Headed for Fiscal Cliff,” New York Post, November 12, 2012
“In Supreme Court Health Care Ruling, Confusion and Contradiction,” New York Law Journal, July 13, 2012
“Why the Rent is Too Damn High,” New York Post, April 24, 2012
“History v. Housing,” New York Post, April 10, 2012
“A Twisted Brain Game,” New York Post, April 4, 2012
“One Lawsuit the City Should Settle,” New York Post, January 13, 2012
“Go March on Washington,” New York Post, October 5, 2011
“Jewish Right Turn,” New York Post, September 12, 2011
“More Downgrades Ahead?” New York Post, August 10, 2011
“Debt Downgrade: Still Possible,” New York Post, August 2, 2011
“Commercial Real Estate Restructuring Revolution: Strategies, Tranche Warfare, and Prospects for Recovery,” Wiley, 2010
