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Robert J. Lum
Partner

Email: rlum@leelumlaw.com
Direct: 212.634.7248

Robert's practice is built on providing counsel to the builders and innovators of New York and New Jersey—the real estate developers, contractors, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the region. He offers clients a distinct advantage: a deep, integrated understanding of both complex litigation and sophisticated commercial transactions. He leverages his courtroom experience to help clients proactively avoid costly disputes by negotiating complex transactions with an eye toward future enforceability. When litigation is unavoidable, his transactional knowledge allows him to dissect complex business issues and deliver favorable, decisive outcomes.

Beyond the courtroom, Robert serves as a trusted advisor to developers, contractors, entrepreneurs, and established businesses. He helps clients avoid costly litigation through proactive legal strategies and sound business structuring. In the real estate and construction sector, Robert provides legal due diligence for new construction projects, handles construction contract negotiation and drafting, and offers advisory services for commercial landlords, condominium and co-op boards. His comprehensive approach ensures that businesses have the legal foundation they need to thrive while minimizing potential risks.

    • Commercial Litigation

    • Appellate Litigation

    • Construction Litigation

    • Construction Law

    • License Agreement Negotiations

  • Representative Experience in Litigation:

    • Defended and procured dismissal of copyright infringement lawsuit for artwork and fashion designs

    • Represented investors against Coinbase for loss and mishandling of fiat and cryptocurrency funds

    • Represented real estate developer against major oil and gas company for causing mass petroleum contamination on developer’s land

    • Represented client in successfully obtaining a temporary restraining order against neighboring contractors for causing substantial damage to client’s building

    • Represented real estate developer against competitors in an Antitrust lawsuit for their intentional interference in the developer’s plans to redevelop land

    • Represented real estate developer in RPAPL 881 Proceeding against neighboring property owners for access to adjacent premises to install temporary protections

    • Represented the client in the prosecution of the international bank for wrongful withholding of funds held in an off-shore bank account

    Landmark Negotiations & Transactions:

    • Represented contractor in negotiations of a construction agreement for the development of a 78,000 sq ft mixed-use building in Long Island City, New York

    • Represented owner in contract negotiations, legal guidance on code and regulatory matters, for the development of 83,000 sq ft residential complex in Prospect Park South, Brooklyn

    • Represented contractor in negotiations of a construction agreement for the development of a boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan

    • Represented client in the acquisition and merger of several lots, consisting of 1.6 million square feet of industrial space, in Passaic County, New Jersey for the development of a commercial plaza for various retail establishments

    • Routinely represents the project owner in various new development projects to obtain license agreements for access

    • Represented New York-based startup businesses in a variety of corporate matters including, ownership percentage; distribution rights; buyout and dissolution events; and strategic structuring for fundraising

    • New York

    • New Jersey

    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

    • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

    • University at Buffalo, B.A.

    • University at Buffalo School of Law, J.D.
      Publications Editor, Buffalo Law Review