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Daniel J. Ansell, Estate Litigation Attorney in New York

focused on Estate Litigation and Real Estate

New, NY

Trusted estate litigation attorney serving New York.

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Quick answer

Daniel J. Ansell is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation and Real Estate.

Based in
New York, NEW YORK
Experience
attorney
Known for
Estate Litigation · Real Estate
  • Handles Estate Litigation and Real Estate matters from New York, NEW YORK.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate (2026).

About Daniel J. Ansell: Daniel J. Ansell is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation and Real Estate.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Daniel J. Ansell

Daniel concentrates on estate litigation and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Daniel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Litigation cases in New York

Daniel takes estate litigation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in New York

Daniel takes real estate matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Daniel J. Ansell — Attorney of New York estate litigation experience

Daniel J. Ansell is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation and Real Estate.

Dan Ansell is Co-Chair of the US Real Estate Litigation Practice and the Founder and National Chair of the Real Estate Operations Group ("REOPS"). Dan represents real estate owners, managers, tenants, lenders, and borrowers nationally in a wide variety of matters including real estate litigation, commercial lease disputes, loan workouts and litigation, office, retail and industrial leasing, bankruptcy proceedings, class actions, construction and ADA issues, lending transactions and disputes, and high stakes State and Federal Court litigation.

In the year 2000, Dan created REOPS to better serve the day-to-day needs of the real estate industry. This department incorporates and cross-trains attorneys in several legal disciplines critical to the ownership and operation of real estate including leasing, lease litigation and real estate bankruptcy. REOPs provides an integrated approach to legal issues in property ownership and management and has grown to more than 50 attorneys in offices across the United States. The department handles matters nationwide and is capable of handling multi-faceted issues without redundant involvement from other departments.

Throughout his career, Dan has represented clients in major real estate transactions and litigations. For example, in 2006 he represented Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ("MetLife") in the sale of Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town ("PCV/ST") for $5.4 billion - reported to be one of the largest real estate sales in U.S. history. Subsequent to the sale, Dan represented MetLife in Roberts v. Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P., et al., a highly publicized case that was ultimately argued at the New York State Court of Appeals and settled successfully. In 2020, Dan represented a Fortune 100 company in the closure of more than 80 retail locations. In 2021, Dan was lead counsel for the owner in HWA 555 Owners, LLC v. RGN-San Francisco XXIV, LLC in San Francisco Superior Court. After trial, the Court issued a declaratory judgment in the owner’s favor holding that the tenant’s purported termination of a $120 million lease obligation was invalid. In 2023, the California Court of Appeal affirmed trial court decision.

Concentrations
  • Real estate litigation and arbitration
  • Commercial loan disputes, workouts, and litigation
  • Construction litigation
  • Office, retail, and industrial leasing
  • Real estate bankruptcy issues and litigation
  • Real estate brokerage commission disputes
  • Complex commercial litigation
  • Appellate practice
  • Letters of credit and suretyship issues
  • Hotel and resort litigation
  • Insurance disputes
  • Environmental disputes
  • Building security issues
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Real estate transaction due diligence
  • Catastrophe planning and response

Daniel's approach to estate litigation cases

Dan Ansell is Co-Chair of the US Real Estate Litigation Practice and the Founder and National Chair of the Real Estate Operations Group ("REOPS"). Dan represents real estate owners, managers, tenants, lenders, and borrowers nationally in a wide variety of matters including real estate litigation, commercial lease disputes, loan workouts and litigation, office, retail and industrial leasing,…

Clients Daniel works with

Daniel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate litigation and real estate matters across New York.

Credentials

Daniel J. Ansell's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Buffalo Law School

    J.D. · 1987

Daniel studied at J.D. in University of Buffalo Law School.

Law school and academic background

Daniel completed J.D. in University of Buffalo Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Daniel runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Daniel J. Ansell

Daniel has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2026).

Locations

Office locations for Daniel J. Ansell in New York

Daniel's primary office is at New York, New York, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

New York, New York 10017

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Daniel J. Ansell

Daniel has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Daniel J. Ansell — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Daniel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Daniel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Daniel's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Daniel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate litigation attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate litigation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Daniel

Daniel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate litigation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate litigation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Daniel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Daniel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Daniel J. Ansell

  • How much does it cost to hire Daniel for a estate litigation case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Daniel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Daniel offer a free consultation?

    Daniel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Daniel's office. Some estate litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Daniel's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate litigation cases in New York typically take?

    Simple estate litigation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Daniel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Daniel take my case if I'm outside New York?

    Daniel is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Daniel will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Daniel?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Daniel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Daniel accepting new estate litigation clients right now?

    Daniel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Litigation attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Daniel handles estate litigation matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate litigation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Daniel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate litigation attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.