Environmental Law Land Use and Zoning Law Litigation - Environmental
Richard G. "Rick" Leland
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
With a focus on land use, environmental law and litigation, Rick Leland represents real estate developers, universities, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and industrial companies on the environmental aspects of real estate transactions, development, and land use.
Rick’s work has been central in gaining approvals for – or defending lawsuits against – multiple billion dollar developments. He works with clients nationwide on a range of matters, including environmental impact review, regulatory and transactional counseling, as well as counseling operators and lenders in litigation arising under the Federal “Superfund” Law.
Rick also serves as counsel to developers, outdoor advertising companies, municipalities, and public authorities in zoning matters and litigation arising from zoning and environmental determinations in New York City and suburban counties in the New York metropolitan area.
Overview
- Hofstra University, J.D., graduated 1975
- New York, New York State Bar
- American Bar Association, Environmental Law and Local Government Sections - Member
- American Bar Association, Section of Environment - Energy and Resources "SEER," Member
- New York State Bar Association - Environmental Law Section, Member
- Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. - Transportation Committee, Member
- Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. - Environmental Committee, Chairman
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- New York, New York State Bar
- American Bar Association, Environmental Law and Local Government Sections - Member
- American Bar Association, Section of Environment - Energy and Resources "SEER," Member
- New York State Bar Association - Environmental Law Section, Member
- Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. - Transportation Committee, Member
- Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. - Environmental Committee, Chairman
- Hofstra University, J.D., graduated 1975
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Environmental Law
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Litigation - Environmental
Awards:
- Super Lawyers Magazine 2015-2016, Listed in New York for Environmental
- The Legal 500, 2014, 2016, Recommended for Real Estate & Construction - Real Estate
- Chambers USA 2008-2016, Ranked in New York for Environment
News & Media
Additional Information
- Representative Experience
- Representation as environmental counsel to Cornell University in the development of its $2 billion, two-million-square-foot New York City tech campus on Roosevelt Island.
- Representation of Forest City Ratner in winning the dismissal of significant lawsuits against its $4 billion Atlantic Yards Development in Brooklyn.
- Representation as environmental and litigation counsel to The New York Public Library in connection with its proposed renovation of the historical Steven A. Schwarzman building and the successful defense of two lawsuits seeking to stop the project.
- Representation of Columbia University in connection with a major expansion and the joint venture between The Related Companies and Vornado Realty Trust, the designated developer for the Moynihan Station project in connection with environmental reviews of that project.
- Representation of Trinity Real Estate in connection with a 17 acre rezoning in New York City.
- Representation of the Durst Organization and TF Cornerstone in the environmental review of a rezoning and special permits for apartment buildings on West 57th Street.
- Representation of SL Green Realty Corp., in an environmental review for 1 Vanderbilt, a 1.8 million square-foot office development near Grand Central Station.
- Representation of outdoor advertising companies in appeals from zoning determinations regulating signage in New York City.
Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.
Please use the print button to print this profile page.