William
J. Geller
Partner
What I Do
I put the full breadth of experience I have accumulated over a 30-year career in real estate law to work for my clients in litigation, transactions, and other matters.
I litigate real estate and commercial disputes in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. My practice includes residential and commercial sales and leasing, bankruptcy, commercial lending, environmental law, and administrative agency representation. This rich and varied experience gives me a unique perspective on client matters and a deep understanding of the motivations of all parties involved.
Throughout my career, I have also represented co-op and condominium boards, and the interests of unit owners. To this work, also, I bring valuable and practical experience. I have served on two co-op boards, including as president, vice president, and treasurer. With more than 15 years of board service, I have faced a wide range of issues, including contested elections, construction projects, Local Law 11 (FISP) inspections and repairs, shareholder litigation, admission questions, managing agent transitions, and financing and refinancing transactions. This experience lets me give boards advice that combines legal knowledge with a “boots on the ground” perspective.
I have previously practiced with Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C.; Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft; Carter, Ledyard and Milburn; and in small firm and solo practice. Before my legal career, I was an auditor with Deloitte & Touche.
Who I Help
Condominium and cooperative boards
Unit owners
Why I Enjoy What I Do
Co-op and condominium law is about helping real people live together as neighbors in their homes. I encounter the full range of human experience, and try to resolve the inevitable conflicts that come up with boards and unit owners in a way that allows them to move forward successfully while sharing their buildings and communities.
Credentials
Education
- Fordham University School of Law, J.D., 1994, cum laude; associate editor, Fordham Law Review
- University of Pennsylvania, B.S. Econ., Wharton School, B.A.S., School of Engineering and Applied Science, 1989
Bar & Court Admissions
- New York
- New Jersey
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
Honors
- New York Super Lawyer (2014–Present)
Outside the Office
- I am the only Braverman Greenspun lawyer to have served as a co-op board president.
- I am an active local and district volunteer leader in Scouting America (formerly Boys Scouts of America).
One Thing I Love About NYC
- New York City can be as large or as small as you want to make it. You can have the world at your fingertips, or get mostly everything you need in your neighborhood, or switch between the both as the mood takes you.
