Justin S. Buchel, Esq.

About Justin

Justin S. Buchel is a Partner of Schneider Buchel LLP, where he primarily focuses his practices in the areas of Cooperative, Condominium and Homeowners’ Association Law. His main focus within the firm includes Construction Contracts and other contracts; Governing Documents (i.e. – review and drafting By-Laws, Declarations, Proprietary Lease, House Rules, etc.); community financing transactions; and Reasonable Accommodation and Discrimination matters.

Justin joined the firm in 2009. Previously, Justin worked as a patent prosecution attorney. His shift to community association law was driven by a deep-seated desire to work in a legal field that directly addressed people’s real-life problems. This desire has benefitted the community associations he serves as he helps them navigate the real-life challenges faced by the vast everyday community association issues.  Justin also has a degree in Physics from Emory University. His science background comes in handy when dealing with complex construction projects such as roof replacements, siding replacements, and Local Law 11 projects.

Experience

He has firmly established himself as a leader in the legal field of community association law.  His expertise extends to drafting complex amendments to community association governing documents, whether it involves creating transfer fees, non-smoking policies, or performing a full rewrite of governing documents. Justin always prioritizes discussing a budget with his clients to devise cost-effective plans aligned with their goals.

Justin has had great success in counseling boards on disability accommodations and reasonable accommodation issues. Justin regularly handles complaints before the New York State Division of Human Rights and local county human rights commissions, with most cases he manages resulting in dismissals for a finding of no probable cause—an exceptional achievement at this administrative stage.

He also specializes in handling refinances of cooperative underlying mortgages and CIRA loans for condominiums and homeowners associations, personally closing hundreds of these loans. Furthermore, he is adept at untangling complex governing documents, resolving ambiguities, and providing legal guidance regarding governing documents.

But Justin’s involvement goes beyond just legal matters. He actively participates in annual meetings, special meetings, and board meetings, maintaining a strong connection and a high level of engagement within the communities he serves so that their desired outcomes are achieved.

Justin is a contributing author for and has been quoted by the “Habitat Magazine” (a publication devoted to Cooperatives, Condominiums, and Homeowners’ Association issues).

Whether it’s dealing with communities, employees, vendors, or residents, Justin has the experience and right decorum to not only zealously advocate for his clients but to also find practical solutions to complex legal issues. He will always endeavor to give clients the most practical advice so they can achieve the best result in the most cost-effective way.