Michael D. Bailkin, Zoning Attorney in New York
New, NY
Trusted zoning attorney serving New York.
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Quick answer
Michael D. Bailkin is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Zoning.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Zoning
- Handles Zoning matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026).
About Michael D. Bailkin: Michael D. Bailkin is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Zoning.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in New York
Michael concentrates on zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Zoning cases in New York
Michael takes zoning 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael D. Bailkin, zoning attorney serving New York
Michael D. Bailkin is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Zoning. Michael works from New York and takes on zoning matters across the region.
Michael Bailkin focuses in two value creation areas of real estate: (i) development incentives; and (ii) structuring and helping implement real estate development projects. Development incentives includes a broad range of programs that utilize public sector resources to add value to private projects, including financial supports, EB-5 financing, cost reductions, land use actions and sole source and below market acquisition of land. Structuring real estate projects generally involves taking inchoate opportunities and providing approaches that enable enhanced values and monetization of illiquid assets. Michael is currently developing a new specialty in the field of Public/Private/Partnership (“P3”) infrastructure, where he structures and helps implement private funding of infrastructure that services adjacent areas under private development. He is working closely with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to develop approaches that will enable its members to access “best practices” in P3 infrastructure.
Clients for development incentives include companies, developers, institutions and landowners. Clients for structuring and implementation generally are landowners who own property and want to realize values greater than could be produced by a simple sale, usually through joint ventures with developers and/or full or partial development with development services assistance by Michael.
Michael’s practice for development incentives is national, but with a primary focus on New York, and urban areas in the mid-Atlantic region. The practice for structuring and implementing real estate projects is based in New York and the New York Metro region.
Michael’s core competency in these areas results from extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. Michael served two years in New York State government, primarily as Deputy General Counsel for the Roosevelt Island New Community. He then served three years in the New York City government, eventually heading up that City’s Economic development program. He then co-founded and managed a boutique firm, StadtmauerBailkin, (which merged into Akerman in 2007), which was the leading firm in New York City for development incentives. Since becoming Of Counsel at Akerman, he has continued in these fields and expanded his areas of expertise in related activities as the market has evolved.
How Michael handles zoning matters
Michael Bailkin focuses in two value creation areas of real estate: (i) development incentives; and (ii) structuring and helping implement real estate development projects. Development incentives includes a broad range of programs that utilize public sector resources to add value to private projects, including financial supports, EB-5 financing, cost reductions, land use actions and sole source…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for zoning matters across New York.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Chicago
J.D. · 1970
Temple University
BA · 1967
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New York, New York S
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Chicago and BA in Temple University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Chicago and BA in Temple University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2015, Listed in New York for Land Use/Zoning
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Legal 500 2011, 2014-2015, Recommended for Real Estate & Construction - Land Use/Zoning
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Magazine 2015, Listed in New York for Land Use/Zoning (2026).
Locations
Michael D. Bailkin's office in New York
Michael's primary office is at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 37th Floor, New York, New York, 10020. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. Bailkin
Michael 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael D. Bailkin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new zoning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a zoning attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many zoning 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in zoning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every zoning 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many zoning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael D. Bailkin
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a zoning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some zoning attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do zoning cases in New York typically take?
Simple zoning 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside New York?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new zoning clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Zoning attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Michael handles zoning matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified zoning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated zoning attorneys in New York
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these zoning attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





