Buffalo Co-Op Lawyer

Name: Co-Op Law
Brand: Schneider Buchel LLP
Rating: 4.4 (36 reviews)

Schneider Buchel helps boards lead with certainty. Our Co-op lawyers in Buffalo bring precision, knowledge, and dedication to every aspect of Co-op law—from governing document interpretation to dispute resolution and regulatory matters.

Supporting Buffalo’s Cooperative Communities with Legal Experience

Buffalo has many cooperative housing properties, and Co-op Boards need sound legal counsel to keep things running smoothly.

Buffalo Requires Skilled Co-Op Law Lawyers

Schneider Buchel LLP advises many Co-ops across New York State, including in Buffalo. Our legal team understands that shareholders are tenants under Proprietary Leases, and Boards must operate as landlords while also managing community governance.

Responsive Representation When It Matters

From policy development to board governance issues, we help Buffalo Co-ops stay compliant, informed, and in control. This complex structure demands co-op attorneys who are skilled in both property law and community association issues. With innovative, results-driven legal advice, we’re here to help your Co-op navigate challenges with confidence.

Client Testimonials What Our Clients Have To Say

Highly skilled at navigating the complex web of laws that apply only to associations.

John, Board Member

Your diligence and commitment to our community has been the catalyst to solving our delinquencies.

Ralph, Board President

Your professionalism and strong determination was the leading factor in winning all of our litigations.

Steve, Board President

We've had the pleasure of working with this exceptional law firm over 25 years and couldn't be more impressed.

Paul, Property Manager

Extremely competent and an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with Board Members.

Alexis, Board Member

Deep expertise in HOA law and strong commitment to protecting the best interests of our community.

Billy, HOA Association

Results-driven and the best choice we ever made. Highly recommended to anyone seeking the best legal counsel.

Steven, Co-Op Association

I am a property manager and have used Schneider Buchel for many years. They are extremely experienced in coop/condo law. Pete Weintraub recently advised a Coop Board on adopting a fine policy. He helped the Board develop the policy and gave them expert guidance on the process to get it approved by the shareholders. I highly recommend both the firm and Pete.

Richard Rush

Top Notch law firm. We entrusted Schneider Buchel LLP over the years as they provide us with their expertise on Co-Op Law. Justin Buchel has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to us, provides top tier representation and always delivers positive outcomes. Thank you.

Ingrid Baerwald

I've had the pleasure of working with Victoria Waller for a luxury condominium in the heart of Gramercy and can say, hands down, she is one of the best! Her construction background is just a bonus to her work ethic, professionalism, and thoroughness! When Victoria is involved, clients are confident that their concerns will be heard and addressed timely.

Maribel Vega

The firm exemplifies a high level of professionalism and great attention to detail. Throughout my years of experience collaborating with various firms in the industry, I have found this particular firm to be the most responsive and professional. Notably, Victoria Waller, who is extremely competent and has an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with Board Members, providing thorough explanations.

Alexis Fritz

We have had nothing but excellent interactions with Victoria Waller and the team at Schneider Buchel. Her advice is on point, clear and practical. She's readily available and always responds to messages and emails. She's a great addition to the team.

Tom Flood

Schneider Buchel LLP have represented our cooperative for over 20 years. Their staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and on target no matter what issue we present. They are result driven and the best choice we ever made. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking the very best legal counsel.

Steven Liss

I am an attorney in Florida and I have known Marc personally and professionally for almost 10 years. I would not hesitate in sending him any work relating to HOA or COA law; his expertise is amazing, and his ethics are second to none.

Craig Goldenfarb

Great law firm! Everyone is extremely helpful when dealing with all of our co-op issues. Big shout out to Anda! She is on top of everything all the time and constantly updates us! Highly recommend!

Lori Max

Love working with Victoria. She is very attentive and responses very quickly to e mails and calls. Working with Victoria makes the transactions go smooth and easy.:)

Elham Danialian

Marc has unmatched focus on everything an association needs to be successful and well run. His firm truly is one of the top in the country for this very specific area of law.

John Lin McCraw

I would like to share my experiences with this firm. All of my dealings with the entire team have been exceptional. All matters are dealt with efficiently, effectively and professionally. The level of expertise is beyond compare.

Joei Losito

Landlord/Tenant Matters

Schneider Buchel has become a trusted legal partner for co-op boards throughout New York. We understand the intricacies of the shareholder-tenant relationship and help boards take meaningful, lawful action when issues arise.

Addressing Arrears and Conduct

Our team has handled countless cases involving unpaid maintenance, late fees, and objectionable behavior. Whether the issue is chronic nonpayment or disruptive conduct, we work with boards to resolve the matter efficiently—often recovering legal fees and interest in the process.

We’ve secured summary judgment rulings and appellate victories, allowing boards to avoid lengthy trials and unnecessary delays. We’ve also persuaded lenders to pay off arrears to protect their investments, giving the co-op immediate relief.

Dedicated to Practical Solutions

Our approach is both proactive and informed. We help boards understand their governing documents and enforce them with precision. When legal action is required, we pursue the full range of remedies available—including eviction where necessary.

From negotiation to litigation, Schneider Buchel provides co-op boards with the tools and insight to manage landlord-tenant issues with professionalism, clarity, and results.

Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Schneider Buchel helps Co-op boards proactively manage contracts for all types of repairs and improvements—everything from engineering services to structural renovations. We regularly draft agreements for Local Law 11 projects, roof replacements, and more.

We urge boards to avoid signing vendor proposals without legal review. Many contain terms that favor the vendor or leave out essential protections, such as insurance requirements and indemnification clauses.

Our attorneys frequently assist clients after a dispute arises, only to find that key contract language was missing or poorly written. These situations are avoidable with proper legal drafting. We know where contracts often go wrong and help boards avoid those pitfalls. Involving us from the outset is the best way to protect your Co-op and ensure each agreement serves your long-term goals.

Financing (and Refinancing)

Schneider Buchel is often called upon to help Co-ops with financing projects or refinancing underlying mortgages. These loans are often structured with balloon payments, meaning repayment deadlines approach well before full balances are paid down.

Timely refinancing is critical to avoid financial strain. Our attorneys guide Co-op Boards through every step of the process, from reviewing loan terms to negotiating with lenders. We ensure all documents meet legal and financial requirements specific to cooperative ownership.

We also coordinate directly with property managers, brokers, banks, and accountants to provide holistic support. Our role is to integrate seamlessly with your existing professional team and enhance the process, not complicate it.

Our goal is to protect the Co-op’s interests, reduce risk, and help you secure the funding necessary to maintain or improve your building’s operations. With Schneider Buchel on board, you gain both legal insight and a reliable financing partner.

Protect Your Community Practical, Reliable Legal Advice.

Creating and Implementing Policies

Schneider Buchel assists Co-op Boards in crafting and implementing policies designed to improve building operations and community living standards, while ensuring full legal compliance.

Ensuring Compliance With Governing Documents

Our firm has helped numerous clients modify their documents to implement smoke-free apartment initiatives, but not all policy changes are so straightforward. Many rules that Boards attempt to implement as House Rules actually require lease or By-Law amendments.

We ensure Boards understand when an amendment is necessary and help them execute the process properly. Our experienced legal team can transform your policy goals into enforceable standards for your Co-op community.

Reasonable Accommodations

Schneider Buchel has extensive experience helping Co-op Boards respond to requests for accommodations and modifications. When these matters are addressed early and properly, the risk of discrimination claims can be significantly reduced.

A Common but High-Stakes Issue

Requests involving emotional support animals, handicap-accessible entries, or special parking are increasingly common. We guide Boards on how to comply with the law while maintaining control of their governance. Our attorneys are well-versed in Federal, State, and municipal housing discrimination laws and regularly defend these claims in court.

Marc H. Schneider, Esq. is a recognized lecturer in this field, and our firm is frequently appointed by insurance carriers to defend these matters.

Litigation Prevention Through Better Policy

We proactively revise Co-op governing documents and proprietary leases to reflect lawful accommodation standards. This reduces ambiguity and makes enforcement clearer for Boards and shareholders alike.

If litigation becomes necessary, our team is ready to defend your building with skill and insight drawn from years of successful case outcomes.

Regulatory Agencies and Code Mandates

Navigating regulatory demands and municipal code enforcement can be a challenge for Co-op and Condo Boards. Our attorneys monitor regulatory changes at all levels to ensure clients are fully informed and in compliance. We aim to prevent legal exposure by advising Boards on best practices before new mandates are enforced.

Whether it’s filing required documentation or addressing issues with building departments, we act quickly and effectively. If legal action becomes necessary, our team is ready to defend or prosecute on your behalf, minimizing risk and helping you avoid costly administrative penalties or delays.

Office Tour New York’s Leading Community Association Law Firm

Schneider Buchel LLP proudly serves community associations statewide with offices in Long Island, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Saratoga. From these six locations, our attorneys provide trusted legal counsel to boards across all 62 counties in New York State. Wherever your community is located, our team is equipped to deliver the focused guidance and efficient solutions your association needs to thrive.

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Construction Defect Litigation

After a sponsor-controlled Board transfers to homeowners, construction defects frequently surface. These can involve roof leaks, façade issues, or incomplete systems that burden the association with unexpected repair costs.

Coordinating Professional and Legal Action

Our attorneys partner with expert engineers to identify issues and file warranty claims in accordance with legal obligations. We help Boards understand their rights under the offering plan and what steps to take next. If informal solutions don’t resolve the issue, we initiate legal action. Our firm has extensive experience representing associations in construction defect litigation and will manage every aspect from filing through appeal.

Holding Contractors Accountable

In addition to sponsor-related defects, we also help when independent contractors fail to meet their obligations. Whether it's breach of contract or defective work, we pursue practical and legal resolutions to protect your interests.

What Makes Co-op Law Different

Purchasing into a Co-op is not like buying a traditional home. You receive shares in a corporation that owns the property and a lease giving you occupancy rights to a specific apartment. In essence, you are both a shareholder and a tenant. The governing document for your rights and responsibilities is the Proprietary Lease. Shareholder-tenants must typically be approved by the Co-op’s Board before buying, and subletting often requires additional consent. The legal foundation of these relationships lies in the Proprietary Lease, House Rules, and By-Laws, all of which dictate behavior, maintenance duties, and occupancy rules.

The Role of State and City Law

Most Co-ops are governed by the New York Business Corporation Law. But in many cases Co-ops are also structured under the Private Housing Finance Law. Buildings governed by Article II or Article XI have additional obligations and oversight, making legal expertise essential.

Schneider Buchel regularly advises Boards on legal compliance, dispute resolution, and document interpretation. Our attorneys have supported communities in every region of New York, from senior housing to large-scale affordable developments.

We help Boards manage complexities, including fair housing accommodations, governance issues, and shareholder disputes. Our experience with PHFL communities gives us a unique ability to guide Co-ops through highly regulated environments without compromising community standards or legal protections.

Board Meetings

Schneider Buchel’s legal team regularly attends Board and Community meetings to help ensure they are conducted in an orderly, effective, and legally defensible manner. Their familiarity with Co-op operations allows them to run meetings that protect Board actions from future scrutiny.
The firm also supports Boards in organizing successful elections and building the necessary support to pass important amendments to the Co-op’s governing documents. These initiatives often require considerable planning and the coordination of shareholder votes, which Schneider Buchel helps facilitate. Whether it’s a routine Board meeting or a vote to amend By-Laws, their attorneys ensure every step complies with best practices and legal standards.

Insurance Carriers

The firm is often selected by insurance carriers to defend Community Associations in a broad range of legal claims. Schneider Buchel has litigated and resolved countless Co-op-related disputes, including highly complex matters involving structural repairs, governance, and resident conduct. Insurance providers value the firm’s deep knowledge of Co-op law and consistent success in securing favorable outcomes.

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Work With a Buffalo Co-Op Lawyer That Delivers

Schneider Buchel proudly represents Co-op Boards throughout Western New York. Our Co-op law attorneys in Buffalo bring focused experience to every case—handling everything from document interpretation to shareholder disputes. We’ve earned a strong reputation among Co-ops for practical advice and legal precision. Many of our clients return to us time and again, confident in our ability to protect their Co-op’s interests. If you need knowledgeable, committed counsel for a Co-op issue in Buffalo, we’re here to help. Contact us today by phone or online to arrange a consultation with our legal team.

Our Location Buffalo

300 International Dr
Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14221

Call on the phone at +1 716.274.5880

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