Michael S. Zetlin

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP is proud to have 15 attorneys recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for their work in construction law and construction litigation in New York and New Jersey, including six associates who were recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

(New York, NY – March 27, 2023) Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that Co-Founding Partner Michael S. Zetlin has once again been named to City & State’s Law Power 100 list for 2023.

Zetlin & De Chiara partners Michael Zetlin, Michael De Chiara, Bill Chimos, Tim Hegarty, Ray Mellon, Jaimee Nardiello, Carol Patterson, Loryn Riggiola,  and Jim Terry were once again recognized by Best Lawyers in their 2023 list of top Construction attorneys.

Additionally, Hal Blanchard, Rachel John, Anazette Ray and Roy Schwartz were selected as Ones to Watch.

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP continued to be recognized as leaders in the Construction sector, with the firm and five of its partners receiving high rankings in the Chambers USA ranking of America’s leading business lawyers.

Zetlin& De Chiara LLP announced today that Co-Founding Partner Michael S. Zetlin has been named to City & State’s 2022 Construction Power 100 list.

(New York, NY – March 9th, 2022) Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that Co-Founding Partner Michael S. Zetlin has once again been named to City & State’s Power Law 100 lists.

Leading construction law firm Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that eleven of the firm’s partners were selected to Super Lawyers 2021, part of Thomson Reuters. One associate was chosen for the Rising Star list.

Zetlin & De Chiara lawyers received wide recognition by Best Lawyers in their 2022 edition for being among the most skilled and accomplished construction lawyers in New York and New Jersey.

Zetlin & De Chiara was named a Band 1 Construction Law firm in the United States by the Legal 500 US in its annual guide.

Described as a "boutique construction law firm with a deep bench and understanding of how a construction project is built and how to address disputes when they happen,” Zetlin & De Chiara is routinely involved in projects across the US and internationally. Legal 500 selected Michael Zetlin, Michael De Chiara and Michael Vardaro to the Leading Lawyers list. Michael De Chiara was praised as an “expert in the field.” Michael Zetlin was lauded for his representation of national and multi-national construction companies as well as premier owners, developers and contractors. Other members of the “very pragmatic” team who were recognized were Tara Mulrooney and Jim Terry.

New York, NY (May 20, 2021)– Zetlin & De Chiara LLP has been ranked as a top construction law firm in New York for the 15th consecutive year by Chambers USA in its 2021 guide to top law firms and lawyers. In addition, all four senior partners were ranked as leaders in their field.

(New York, NY – March 18, 2021) Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that Co-Founding Partner Michael S. Zetlin has been named to City & State’s Power Construction 50 and Power Law 100 lists.

Mr. Zetlin was selected to the Power Construction 50 along with many of New York’s luminaries in the building community. Cited as “a prolific litigator…who handles construction claims across a number of sectors…,” Michael Zetlin was recognized for his abilities as a construction litigator and contract lawyer as well as his counsel in all aspects of construction projects.  Active in many professional and community organizations, Mr. Zetlin serves as General Counsel to the New York Building Congress and to the AIA New York; and is an adjunct Professor at Columbia University, teaching a graduate program with Zetlin & De Chiara partner Timothy Hegarty on “Legal Issues in Building Construction.”

In a major victory for real estate developers and New York City, a New York State Appellate Court has overturned a decision preventing the completion of a new 55-story condominium building at 200 Amsterdam Avenue.

New York, NY (November 5, 2020) - Leading construction law firm Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that ten of the firm’s attorneys were selected to Super Lawyers 2020, part of Thomson Reuters. An annual attorney rating service, Super Lawyers recognizes outstanding lawyers who have attained a high level of professional achievement and are well respected by their peers and colleagues. The selection process, culling from over 70 practice areas, includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

New York, NY, (August 20, 2020) -- Zetlin & De Chiara LLP is pleased to announce that nine lawyers have been included in the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

In addition, three lawyers have been included in the 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes lawyers demonstrating outstanding professional skills early in their careers in private practice in the United States.

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Earns Top Recognition in Chambers USA for Being “Top Caliber in Matters Arising in Construction Law”

"Get a mentor." That may be the most valuable piece of advice imparted on February 11 by Anazette Ray and Roy Schwartz, attorneys at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, when they spoke to the future leaders of New York City at the High School for Civil Rights in Brooklyn as part of Career Discovery Week.

Eleven Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Attorneys Recognized by Thomson  Reuters’ Super Lawyers 2019

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP has been recognized as a leading construction law firm by The Legal 500 US in its annual guide. 

Eight attorneys at Zetlin and De Chiara LLP were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2020. 

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP has been ranked as a top construction law firm in New York for the 13th consecutive year by Chambers USA in its 2019 guide to top law firms and lawyers. Four partners were again ranked as leaders in their fields.

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Senior Partner Michael S. Zetlin and key real estate industry leaders will examine the latest trends in brick and mortar retail for stores looking to attract and engage millennial consumers at Commercial Observer’s 3rd Annual Retail Forum on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 in Manhattan.

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Co-Founder Michael S. Zetlin was recognized for his long and storied legal career representing the development, design and construction industry at City & State’s 50 Over 50 awards on January 29, 2019 at Sony Hall.

Michael S. Zetlin, co-founding Partner of leading construction law firm Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, will be honored on December 5 at the 2018 gala of the New York Building Congress. He is being recognized for his long and storied legal career involving the design and construction industry.

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that the firm has once again been selected for National Tier 1 in the areas of Construction Law and Construction Litigation by U.S. News for its annual “Best Law Firms” ranking.

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP has been recognized for as a leading construction law firm by Legal 500 US in its annual guide.

Michael Zetlin, a co-founding partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, will lead a panel of New York real estate leaders who will share their perspectives on key issues on Midtown development and at Commercial Observer’s 3rd Annual Midtown Forum on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Manhattan.

Construction law firm Zetlin & De Chiara LLP announced today that for the 12th consecutive year, the firm has been ranked as a  top construction law firm in New York by Chambers USA. Additionally, four partners from the firm were ranked as leaders in their fields.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard was once a thriving industrial hub, and it may finally be again, thanks to the borough’s self-styled “innovation economy” that meshes tech and light manufacturing. Brooklyn boosterism and its gritty past were on display yesterday at Commercial Observer’s Brooklyn Queens Event, which took place in the newly constructed Building 128 at the Navy Yard.

As the healthcare industry evolves and healthcare facilities become increasingly specialized, these hospitals, ambulatory centers and other tertiary facilities are among the most expensive buildings to construct. To address the issues, two of the firm’s attorneys, Michael Zetlin and Michael Vardaro, will participate in national healthcare conferences this month. 

Michael De Chiara, Michael Zetlin, Ray Mellon and Carol Patterson were named leading construction litigators in the January 26 – February 8, 2010 issue of New York Real Estate Journal.

Michael De Chiara, Michael Zetlin, Ray Mellon and Carol Patterson were named leading construction litigators in the January/February 2010 issue of Super Lawyers.

Michael Zetlin and Michael De Chiara were recognized as two of New York’s Best Lawyers 2010 in the December 21 - 28, 2009 issue of New York Magazine.

An article titled “How We Will Build New York: Hospitals and Healthcare” was published in the August 2009 issue of New York Construction with commentary by Michael S. Zetlin.

In the December 22nd issue of New York Magazine, Michael De Chiara and Michael Zetlin were recognized as New York’s Best Lawyers in the area of construction law.

Michael K. De Chiara & Michael S. Zetlin provided an interesting perspective on the topic of BIM (Building Information Modeling) which was featured in the July 21, 2008 issue of ENR magazine.

In The December 17, 2007 issue of New York Magazine, Michael Zetlin was named as one of the Best Lawyers in New York in the field of Construction Law.

Michael S. Zetlin was quoted in the October 2007 supplement of New York Construction News titled "Who Will Build New York?"

Four New York Partners, Michael S. Zetlin, Michael K. De Chiara, Raymond T. Mellon and Carol J. Patterson, were recognized in the September 23, 2007 issue of New York Magazine as Super Lawyers in the field of construction law. Click here for details.

Michael S. Zetlin was interviewed for the July 2007 issue of New York Construction News and quoted in the feature article titled, "Industry on the Verge of Major Evolution in Design Tools with BIM."

In the July 2-9, 2007 issue of New York Magazine, Michael S. Zetlin was recognized as a "Best Lawyer" in the field of Construction Law.

In the July 2-9, 2006 issue of New York Magazine, Michael S. Zetlin was recognized as a "Best Lawyer" in the field of Construction Law.

Chambers USA Guide, July 7, 2006, Zetlin & De Chiara recently received glowing reviews from the Chambers USA Guide; clients interviewed by the guide praised the firm and its attorneys for their "quality of work, attention, and intelligence." The partners in particular were extolled for their knowledge, capability, and devotion to their work. The firm is seen as "developing a prominent leading practice" not only in the tri-state area, but in the U.S. as a whole.

Real Estate Weekly, October 6, 2004, U.S. "Supreme Court to hear eminent domain case", By Barbara Nelson, Michael S. Zetlin, Esq. commented on the potential legal impact on municipalities if the Connecticut Supreme Court decision is upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

New York Construction, September, 2004, "The Reality of Risk, Design and Construction Industries Creating New Standards for Building Security", By Natalie Keith, Zetlin & De Chiara LLP was mentioned as a sponsor of the seminar entitled "Security and Terrorism: Evolving Standards for the Design, Construction and Real Estate Industries Post 9/11." Michael Zetlin and Michael De Chiara were the moderators of the event that brought to the forefront of the minds of architects, engineers and designers, how their standard of care has changed since September 11, 2001. The panel of speakers included Stephen Colo of SAIC, Robert Selsam of Boston Properties Inc., John Paczkowski of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, John Ulianko, director at the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, James Kallstrom, Senior advisor to Governor Pataki for counter terrorism and Michael Golden of Marsh.

Real Estate Weekly, February 11, 2004, No. 26, Vol. 50; Pg. C8; ISSN: 1096-7214, Cuoco leads an all-star cast at Thornton-Tomasetti; Profile in Construction; Michael S. Zetlin, Esq. of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP remarked "On the stand or behind the scenes, their (Thornton-Tomasetti's) keen insight is extremely valuable."

NY Real Estate Journal, October 28, 2003, "A Discussion Regarding Important Legal Issues in Mold Contamination Cases," By Michael K. De Chiara and Jenifer B. Minsky of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP.

Real Estate Weekly December 12, 2001 No. 19, Vol. 48; Pg. 25, 892 words EVENTS SEMINARS MEETINGS TALKS; Around the Town; Brief Article, Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Seminar December event is sponsored by Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Counselors at Law, in association with AIA New York State and New York Building Congress.

New York Law Journal December 12, 2001 Calendar of Coming Events; Pg. 2, 521 words TODAY; Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Conference: "Managing Your Firm in Uncertain Times"

New York Law Journal October 12, 2001 Management & Technology; Law Firm Management; Pg. 5, 1720 words SPECTRE OF RECESSION; Maintaining Revenue in Uncertain Times, By Christine S. Filip; Christine S. Filip is an attorney and the president of The Success Group in New York City, which works with law firms on business development, public relations and design. One firm, Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP in Manhattan, benefited when founders Michael Zetlin and Michael De Chiara hired a managing partner, Patricia Harris.

Marketing For Lawyers August 2001 Vol. 15; No. 4; Pg. 10, 1007 words, By Elliot B. Oppenheim; Elliott B. Oppenheim, M.D., J.D., LLM Health Law, I CEO and president of coMEDco Inc., a national medical-legal consultation corporation. Telephone: (800) 416-1192; e-mail coMEDcoINK@aol.com. (c) 2001 Elliott B. Oppenheim and Terra Firma Publishing Co.; The key to putting on a successful seminar is coming up with a timely topic and then getting the details right. New York-based Zetlin & De Chiara LLP deserves kudos on both scores.

New York Construction News July 2001 New Technology; Vol. 49, No. 1; Pg. 58, 713 words NEW BUSINESS, LEGAL ISSUES, By Michael S. Zetlin, Esq.; The author of this column, Michael S. Zetlin, is a partner with the New York City-based design, construction and real estate law firm of Zetlin & De Chiara.

Engineering News-Record May 1, 2000 Special Report; Drawings; Vol. 244, No. 17; Pg. 34, 4019 words NO STAMP OF APPROVAL ON BUILDING PLANS, By Nadine M. Post; Lawyer Michael S. Zetlin, principal of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, New York City, says there are innocent and guilty parties both sides.' Lawyer Zetlin has written standard contract language for preconstruction-design review meetings.

Zetlin & De Chiara Celebrated Our 30th Aniversary!

Michael Zetlin, Senior Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, moderated a panel discussion hosted by the New York Building Congress -"ADR" Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Legal Alternative to Workers Compensation Insurance for Infrastructure and Construction on July 14th, at the Harmonie Club, 4 East 60th Street, New York.

Zetlin & De Chiara senior partner Michael Zetlin moderated the keynote session of The Commercial Observer’s latest commercial real estate forum — “The State of CRE: A Forward-Looking Industry Outlook & Vision for Market Growth.”

Michael Zetlin will discuss the potential legal challenges to the MTA's Rules of Debarment with the Construction Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association.

Michael S. Zetlin, Senior Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, will moderate the Queens Panel at the Commercial Observer's 5th Annual Brooklyn, Queens Forum on October 31, 2019.

Senior Partner Michael Zetlin along with associate Chengdong (C.D.) Xing presented on the MTA's New Debarment Rules for the Women Builders Council. 

At Commercial Observer’s Midtown Forum on June 12th, in a conversation moderated by Zetlin & De Chiara partner Michael Zetlin, panelists who’ve put their money on the line in the neighborhood discussed how they’re tackling the challenge of making some very young workers comfortable in some very old buildings.

Omnichannel was the word of the year as retailers continued to seek the perfect balance between their physical and online presence. Veteran retailers veered toward smaller spaces as rents continue to escalate and in-store sales battle online competition. Bustling, once retail-deficient areas became surprisingly robust shopping destinations at the same time the city prepares to embrace brand new neighborhoods that will upend the retail conversation in New York. And in the midst of it all, the retail apocalypse that seemed to loom in 2017 has now slowed to a crawl, with significant new leases still dotting the retail landscape.

Zetlin & De Chiara senior partner Michael Zetlin moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion for the NY Building Congress on “Alternative Dispute Resolution as a Legal Alternative to Workers Compensation Insurance for Infrastructure and Construction” on July 14 at the Harmonie Club.

In April of 2021, the New York City Department of Buildings (the “DOB”) announced five bills and sweeping updates to New York City Construction Codes related to construction safety.[1]  The simultaneous announcement of the New York City Council’s introduction of the legislation along with the revisions to the construction codes intend to further the objective of increasing the protections afforded to the general public and construction professionals on all construction sites throughout New York City. However, with the enactment of the new legislation and the comprehensive updates to the construction codes, there will be an increase in the obligations placed upon professionals within the industry and an inevitable impact on the industry as a whole.  This client alert serves to provide an overview of the legislation and highlight some of the major amendments and updates to the construction code.

New York City developers collectively sighed with relief when 200 Amsterdam, a mixed-use, high-rise building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was saved from the guillotine when a New York State intermediate appellate court reversed a lower court’s decision that retroactively revoked the developer’s building permit for an as-of-right development. The affirmance of the controversial ruling, issued by the New York County Supreme Court on February 27, 2020, would have resulted in the demolition of more than 20 top floors of the fully-constructed 668 feet high 55-story tower.

Despite advances in design and more stringent regulations, errors persist in the design process. The discovery of a potentially catastrophic design error after the completion and delivery of a project presents an array of ethical and legal issues for the design professional and attorneys who represent them. Ultimately, the questions before the design professional are whether he or she has an ethical or legal duty to warn of the error, and what must be done to satisfy that duty. 

Mock Mediation Led by Z&D"s Tim Hegarty Adds Dimension to Columbia University Course.

Some of the City's top real estate minds gathered at Ten Grand Street on October 31, 2019 for Commercial Observer's "5th Annual Brooklyn, Queens Forum." One of the questions they discussed was the impact of the loss of the Amazon HQ2.

New York State’s $175 billion FY 2020 budget included several Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) reforms. One of these reforms, the debarment provision (Bill No. A02009C/S01509-C, Section § 1279-h), allows the MTA to determine unilaterally that alleged “defaulting” contractors and consultants will be prohibited from bidding on future MTA contracts for a period of five years based on their performance on prior or current MTA projects.

Optimism was in the air at Commercial Observer’s 4th Annual Midtown Forum. Michael Zetlin, Senior Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, led a spirited discussion on Midtown development at a panel entitled “Midtown in Demand” on June 28, 2019.

“The risks are worth it and the rewards are there,” said Michael Zetlin, Senior Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara, launching a discussion on the evolving approach to retail at Commercial Observer’s “ 3rd Annual Retail Forum” on May 1, 2019.

Lower Manhattan’s residential and office markets may be thriving, but it could still use better planning and stronger flood protections against future storms in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, panelists said at Commercial Observer’s Downtown Forum.

Summer turned up the heat at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP where we were involved in two of the most prominent construction cases in the nation. With attorneys airborne between the East and West Coasts, the office has been busy on the ground with client matters, fielding questions from the press, speaking at industry events and supporting community and professional organizations. Even as the temperature outside cools, our high level of activity shows no signs of chilling.

Michael Zetlin, Co-Founding Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, spearheaded a constructive dialogue at Commercial Observer’s 4th Annual Brooklyn, Queens Forum at Industry City in Brooklyn earlier this month, where panelists pondered the proverbial “chicken and the egg” when it comes to Queens residential development and retail opportunities.