Laura Mehl Sugarman

Overview

An experienced and trusted advisor on complex real estate development matters, Laura structures and closes deals for transformative projects in New York and across the nation. Handling some of the most complicated and multifaceted transactions, she takes a hands-on, collaborative approach that reflects legal, financial and regulatory considerations.

With technical precision, experience and vision, Laura represents national and local developers, owners, lenders, landlords, tenants, borrowers, investors and not-for-profit entities in acquisitions and dispositions, financings, leasing, air rights and large-scale development projects, including affordable housing and condominium developments. Laura is a skilled tax strategist, steering through real estate law and complex tax codes and using various legal and financial structures to help her clients secure essential tax exemptions and access other tax benefits without compromising their broader objectives.

With a focus on condominium and cooperative development and management, Laura represents numerous national and international clients. She is highly regarded as one of New York’s go-to resources for the structuring and formation of leasehold condominiums and is deeply experienced in navigating the intersection of not-for-profit law and real estate. 

Beyond the deal, Laura is passionate about community-building. She actively contributes to organizations that uplift women and promote inclusion in the legal and real estate industries. She serves on the Real Estate Advisory Board of Yeshiva University, is a longtime participant in Cardozo Law School’s Women in Law Institute and is actively engaged in Benesch’s Women’s Initiative Network. She also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Hiring Committee, helping to shape the next generation of legal talent.

Before joining Benesch, Laura worked for the New York State Comptroller, the United States Attorneys’ Office, and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Her public-sector experience has given her a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape and how regulators think and work. That, combined with her dealmaking wisdom, makes her exceptionally adept at getting deals done, especially when careful government coordination is required for complex real estate matters with law, tax and public impact implications.