Stephen Cerniglia, Real Estate Attorney in New York
New, NY
Trusted real estate attorney serving New York.
- 1
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Practices in
Are you Stephen Cerniglia?
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Quick answer
Stephen Cerniglia is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
About Stephen Cerniglia: Stephen Cerniglia is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Stephen Cerniglia
Stephen concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in New York
Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Stephen Cerniglia — Attorney of New York real estate experience
Stephen Cerniglia is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Stephen has extensive experience negotiating intercreditor, co-lender and participation agreements, and advising lenders on their rights and obligations as a lender in the debt stack. He is actively engaged in representing lenders in the restructuring of distressed commercial real estate loans, including partially and fully funded construction loans, land loans, permanent mortgage loans, bridge loans, mezzanine loans and credit facilities. He also represents lenders in connection with foreclosing on commercial real estate loans.
Stephen advises financial institutions on both the purchase and sale of commercial loans, including the financing of a purchase.
He is listed by Best Lawyers in Real Estate.
How Stephen handles real estate matters
Stephen Cerniglia is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Finance & Investment Group. His practice is primarily focused on commercial real estate finance, representing commercial banks, investment banks, insurance companies, funds, regional and local banks and other financial institutions in a variety of loan transactions—including permanent, bridge and construction loans, mezzanine financings,…
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters across New York.
Credentials
Stephen Cerniglia's legal education and bar admissions
New York Law School
J.D. · 1996
St. John's University
BS
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
New York, United Sta
ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in New York Law School and BS in St. John's University.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in New York Law School and BS in St. John's University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen Cerniglia
Stephen has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securitization and Structured Finance Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Securitization and Structured Finance Law (2026).
Locations
Stephen Cerniglia's office in New York
Stephen's primary office is at 90 Park Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York, 10016-1387. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen Cerniglia
Stephen 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 Stephen Cerniglia — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Cerniglia
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in New York typically take?
Simple real estate 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside New York?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new real estate clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Stephen handles real estate matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
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