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Syracuse Co-Op Boards Turn to Us for Results

Cooperative housing in Syracuse is governed by strict rules that require legal clarity and strong leadership.

Legal Clarity for Your Co-Op’s Needs

At Schneider Buchel LLP, our Co-op law attorneys in Syracuse guide Boards through the complex responsibilities of managing a cooperative. Our lawyers understand how the structure of personal property ownership via Proprietary Leases interacts with the legal obligations of the Board. We provide direction on enforcement issues, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and document revisions—all with a focus on results.

Protecting Your Community’s Interests

We bring decades of experience helping co-ops succeed across New York, including Syracuse. Whether you’re a long-standing Co-op or navigating recent changes, we offer the legal insight and responsiveness you need.

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

In cooperative housing, where shareholders also function as tenants, legal disputes can arise with unusual frequency. Schneider Buchel helps boards enforce their rights while minimizing internal conflict.

Recovering What You're Owed

We’ve handled countless cases involving nonpayment of maintenance, leveraging both litigation and negotiation to recover funds. In many instances, we’ve worked with lenders to resolve balances, helping co-ops avoid drawn-out legal battles.

Our success in court is well documented—our attorneys have obtained judgments, fee awards, and favorable rulings on appeal. Our knowledge of objectionable conduct clauses and lease enforcement enables us to act decisively and effectively.

Resolving Issues Without Delay

We don’t just take legal action—we help boards evaluate their best course of action. Our strategic approach to landlord-tenant disputes means your board has access to real-time advice and options that reflect both the law and the unique culture of your community. When your co-op needs to take action, we provide the guidance and representation required to get results—and move forward with confidence.

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Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Legal involvement in Co-op construction and repair contracts is not optional—it’s essential. Our firm routinely drafts agreements for common projects such as façade restoration, roofing, sidewalk replacement, and elevator work. Too often, Co-op boards rely on vendor-generated proposals that fail to provide comprehensive legal protection. These documents may include problematic terms, such as unclear indemnity responsibilities or insufficient insurance coverage.

We’ve seen cases where boards had to resolve legal disputes or claims that could have been avoided with better contract language. What seems like a simple proposal can carry long-term risk if not vetted properly. By involving us early in the contract process, your Co-op benefits from clear, enforceable terms that reflect your building’s interests and reduce legal exposure down the road.

Financing (and Refinancing)

Our firm frequently advises Co-op Boards on obtaining financing for large projects and refinancing existing mortgages. These underlying mortgages often include balloon payment clauses that require refinancing well before the full balance is repaid. Failing to address refinancing in advance can jeopardize the building’s financial position.

That’s why our attorneys provide early, proactive guidance to help secure favorable loan terms. We review lending documents, manage closing procedures, and ensure compliance with all cooperative-specific requirements. We also collaborate with your property manager, financial advisors, brokers, and accountants to deliver a streamlined experience.

Our coordination with your trusted professionals allows us to minimize delays and maximize clarity. Whether you’re refinancing to reduce interest rates, fund a capital project, or meet a maturing loan obligation, Schneider Buchel offers thorough, experienced support. We are committed to helping your Co-op meet its financing goals efficiently and with legal confidence.

Creating and Implementing Policies

At Schneider Buchel, we routinely advise Co-op Boards on how to develop policies that are enforceable, clear, and compliant with governing documents and applicable law.

Converting Policy Ideas Into Legally Enforceable Rules

Many Boards want to create rules—such as smoking bans within apartments—but mistakenly treat them as simple House Rule additions. These often require formal lease amendments to be enforceable.

We guide Boards in identifying which policies require legal amendments and help draft the necessary language. With our legal insight, your Co-op can move forward confidently, knowing its policies are well-crafted and enforceable.

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Protect Your Community Practical, Reliable Legal Advice.

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Reasonable Accommodations

As more Co-ops receive accommodation requests from shareholders, Boards must be prepared to address them in accordance with housing laws. Schneider Buchel’s attorneys are experts in this nuanced area of legal compliance.

Compliance with Confidence

From ESA (emotional support animal) exceptions in pet-free buildings to accessibility modifications, we help Boards respond within the bounds of Federal, State, and local law. Missteps can lead to costly litigation or regulatory findings, so legal guidance is critical from the beginning.

Our attorneys, including Marc H. Schneider, Esq., regularly educate Boards on housing discrimination issues. We’re also frequently retained by insurance carriers to defend discrimination claims.

Governing Documents and Legal Safeguards

We help Co-ops revise their governing documents to reflect best practices and current legal standards. Doing so reduces the chance of future disputes and ensures the Co-op is well-positioned should a claim be made.

Proper handling of these issues protects not only the Board but the long-term reputation and stability of the building. Our firm is ready to assist—whether through policy development, mediation, or defense litigation.

Preeminent Specialists Meet Our Attorney Teams

At Schneider Buchel, every attorney is focused on a specific area of Community Association Law. When legal issues arise, you don’t get a generalist. Here, you get a coordinated team of legal specialists, each bringing deep experience in their field. Whether it’s day-to-day governance, contract negotiation, or complex litigation, you have the right attorney with the right experience working to protect your community’s interest and deliver the legal outcome you need.

Transactional
Landlord, Tenant & Foreclosures
Real Estate
Litigation
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Transactional Department:

Handles all day-to-day legal needs, including governance and contract matters.

Landlord, Tenant & Foreclosures Department:

Manages complex disputes and represents boards and associations in court.

Real Estate Department:

Specialists in all real estate transactions—drafting and negotiating leases, closings, etc.

Litigation Department:

Manages complex disputes and represents boards and associations in court.

Justin S. Buchel

Partner

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George J. Mullane

Foreclosure and Landlord/Tenant Department Chair

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Cassidy R. Kalmenson

Landlord Tenant Litigation Attorney

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Ivana Garbowski

Foreclosure Attorney

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Jason Goodman

Transactional Department Chair

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Jason Mohabir

Landlord Tenant Litigation Attorney

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Mitchell J. Flachner

Litigation Department Chair

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Amy Zamir

Attorney

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Pete Weintraub

Attorney

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Sloan Zarkin

Attorney

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Suzanne Player

Foreclosure Attorney

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Vanessa Wilcox

Attorney

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Victoria M. Waller

Real Estate Department Chair

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Jennifer Anderson

Paralegal

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Idalia Innocent

Paralegal

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Margarita Morales

Paralegal

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Meet Our Founder & CEO Marc H. Schneider, Esq

Having served as a Board President of a community association himself, Marc knows firsthand the unique needs of associations and what it takes to protect and elevate a community for all. He built his entire New York law practice around meeting and solving these needs. Today Schneider Buchel is very much a reflection of Marc’s personal affection for and sense of commitment to the people who manage community associations.

Group icon media Former Board President of a NY Community Assn.
Work icon media Three Decades of Community Law Experience
Co-Chair icon media Co-Chair NY State Bar Condo & Co-Op Committee
Building icon media Council of New York Co-Ops & Condos Member

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Regulatory Agencies and Code Mandates

Dealing with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies is a key part of community association governance. At Schneider Buchel, we help clients stay ahead of constantly changing code mandates and compliance requirements. Our attorneys work closely with Boards to identify obligations early, avoid enforcement complications, and address any code-related concerns.

When violations are alleged or penalties are threatened, we offer legal strategies tailored to each situation. We are also prepared to litigate regulatory disputes when necessary to defend the community’s interests and protect its operational integrity.

Construction Defect Litigation

When unit owners take control of the Board, they frequently discover unresolved construction issues from the sponsor’s tenure. These defects can affect everything from structural soundness to water systems.

Our Step-by-Step Approach

We work with Boards to bring in seasoned engineers, evaluate the situation, and ensure that all applicable warranty claims are filed according to law. Our legal team guides every part of the process, including necessary notifications.

If defects are not addressed voluntarily, we file suit and manage litigation through completion. Our lawyers are experienced in community association law and know how to fight for the compensation needed for repairs.

Enforcing Contracts and Standards

We also take legal action when contractors hired by the Board fail to deliver work as promised. We help you assess options, recover costs, and prevent recurrence—whether through legal action or proactive contract guidance.

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Construction Defect Litigation

Most newly established associations only discover building flaws after transitioning from the sponsor’s control. At this stage, Boards must act quickly to protect residents and property value.

  • Legal Guidance for Complex Claims: We assist with retaining qualified engineers, gathering proper documentation, and complying with warranty terms under the offering plan.
  • Aggressive Litigation Where Needed: When negotiation fails, our experienced litigation team takes legal action to pursue compensation.
  • Dealing with Contractor Misconduct: If your Board contracted work that wasn’t completed or was done incorrectly, we step in to resolve the matter and seek recovery. We also advise on how to avoid similar issues in the future through better contracts and oversight.
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What Makes Co-op Law Different

In a Co-op, what you “buy” is not the apartment but shares in a corporation and a proprietary lease that grants you the right to live there. Unlike Condominiums, where ownership is tied to a deed, Co-op shareholders are tenants of the corporate entity that owns the property. This hybrid ownership creates unique legal relationships. Most Boards retain the right to approve buyers and renters, and those rights are outlined in the governing documents, including the By-Laws and House Rules.

Legal Layers and Regulatory Obligations

The core legal framework of most Co-ops is based on the New York Business Corporation Law. However, many buildings are created under the Private Housing Finance Law, such as Article II or XI. These communities are often subject to enhanced regulations and oversight.

Schneider Buchel is well-versed in these complexities. We provide legal counsel to traditional Co-ops and those operating under PHFL statutes. Our attorneys work closely with Board members to clarify responsibilities, enforce lease provisions, and ensure compliance with city and state mandates.

We also understand the nuances of senior housing communities, which often face both legal and practical challenges unique to their demographics. Whether you’re facing a governance issue or evaluating lease amendments, Schneider Buchel delivers the clarity and legal strength your Co-op needs.

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Board Meetings

At Schneider Buchel, attending Board and Community meetings is an essential part of our practice. Our attorneys help facilitate productive meetings and ensure that Board actions are carried out in accordance with legal standards—limiting the risk of future legal challenges. We also provide critical guidance on how to conduct fair and enforceable elections. When governing documents require shareholder approval for amendments, our attorneys help Boards strategize to build support and reach voting thresholds. With our direct involvement, Boards can focus on sound decision-making, knowing they are supported by legal professionals who understand the stakes and procedures.

Insurance Carriers

Schneider Buchel’s litigation team is frequently retained by insurance companies to represent Community Associations in complex legal proceedings. Known for our expertise in Co-op matters, we have successfully defended against and settled a wide range of claims. Our strategic litigation style, combined with our in-depth understanding of Co-op governance, makes us a go-to firm for insured litigation defense.

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Talk to a Syracuse Lawyer Experienced in Co-Op Law

Schneider Buchel offers top-tier legal services to Co-ops throughout Syracuse and the Central New York region. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of cooperative housing law and deliver counsel backed by decades of success. From day-to-day operations to litigation, we support Co-ops with practical solutions and a commitment to excellence. Clients choose us for our responsiveness, insight, and long-term results. If your Co-op Board is dealing with a pressing legal matter, we’re ready to help. Schedule your consultation by phone or online and speak with an experienced Co-op lawyer in Syracuse today.

Our Location Syracuse

323 James Street
Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13203
Call on the phone at +1 315.953.0517
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