Robert M. Kessler

Robert M. Kessler, Special Counsel in the Transactional Department at Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., has been with the firm since 1997. He represents both for-profit and not-for-profit entities in a wide range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development agreements, and contracts related to construction, management, and operations. His work frequently involves complex commercial leases, ground leases, telecommunications issues, and public-private partnerships.

Robert earned his B.A. with honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981, his M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985, and his J.D. with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1985, where he also served as Note and Comment Editor of the North Carolina Law Review. These accomplishments provided the foundation for his long and successful career in real estate law.

Before joining Rosenberg & Estis, Robert served as Senior Counsel at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). At EDC, he played a pivotal role in structuring many of New York City’s largest public-private real estate projects, including the Times Square redevelopment, MetroTech, Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza, and Queens West. He also advised the New York City Industrial Development Agency on complex development, leasing, financing, and privatization matters.

Over his 35-year career, Robert M. Kessler has advised clients on issues ranging from land use and zoning to environmental regulation, condemnation, tax abatements, procurement processes, and the privatization of city assets.

Robert’s experience includes advising owners and developers on leasehold condominiums, subway station improvement agreements, and high-value transactions throughout New York City. Recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, Robert continues to be a trusted authority on sophisticated real estate matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Special Counsel, Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.
• Member, American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law
• Member, New York City Bar Association, Construction Law Committee
• Member, New York Building Congress, Construction Law Committee

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• University of North Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Master of Arts (MA)
• University of Pennsylvania
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges