Recent News:
Kenneth Fisher, a member of the firm’s Business Law Department, and Jerry Goldfeder, a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, have been named to City & State New York’s 2024 Trailblazers in Law list.
Ken’s practice concentrates on the public realm of the New York metropolitan area. His experience includes real estate development, zoning and land use, administrative and regulatory law, government contracting, litigation, and investigations.
Ken advocates for clients with government decision makers at the local, state, and federal levels. The Observer named him one of “The Lawyers You Call” and City Hall News as one of “10 People Who Can Help Get a Project Built-Or Help Stop One.” The Real Deal notes that Ken “has emerged as a go-to guy for real estate clients embroiled in contentious projects…” He has been named a “New York Super Lawyer,” “Legal Elite” by Avenue magazine, and the Legal Power 100, Real Estate Power 100, Brooklyn Power 100, and Brooklyn Power 50 by City & State. He was a recipient of the 2020 New York Law Journal Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was founding chair of the New York City Chapter of the New York League of Conservation Voters and founding chair of the board of directors of the Governors Island Alliance. Ken is a fellow of the Urban Design Forum and is a member of the board of directors of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and co-chairs its Real Estate Committee. He previously served on the board of numerous organizations, including Interfaith Hospital.
Ken was a Member of the New York City Council (1991-2001). At various times he chaired a Land Use Subcommittee, the Youth Services Committee and the Committee on Standards & Ethics. He was the prime sponsor of legislation regulating landmarks, public markets and the trade waste industry.
He previously served as a member and chair of the New York City Bar Association Land Use Planning & Zoning Committee and Insurance Law Committee and was a member of the Judiciary Committee. He served two terms in the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates and co-chaired its Special Committee on Medical Information. In addition, he was previously secretary and law committee chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and served as a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
Ken earned his undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific and his law degree from Syracuse University.
News
March 26, 2024
Kenneth Fisher, a member of the firm’s Business Law Department, and Jerry Goldfeder, a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, have been named to City & State New York’s 2024 Trailblazers in Law list.
March 20, 2024
Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law department, has been named to the PoliticsNY and amNY Metro 2024 Power Players in Real Estate list.
March 20, 2024
Ken Fisher was quoted in a Spectrum News NY1 article discussing the reformation of New York City’s property tax system.
November 14, 2023
New York City real estate professionals’ confidence in the city’s short-term future dropped by a quarter since last year, while pessimism tripled, according to a survey conducted by the law firm of Cozen O’Connor.
September 22, 2023
Thirteen attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers and 14 were named “Rising Stars.”
August 01, 2023
NEW YORK, August 1, 2023 – Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, has been named to City & State New York’s 2023 Brooklyn Power 100.
July 18, 2023
Ken Fisher is quoted in the Commercial Observer in an article discussing Governor Kathy Hochul’s approach to addressing New York City’s ongoing housing crisis.
July 13, 2023
Ken Fisher is quoted in the Commercial Observer in an article discussing New York Governor Kathy Hochul's attempt to revive a tax incentive for developers through an executive order.
July 05, 2023
Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, has been named to City & State New York’s 2023 Real Estate Power 100. The Real Estate Power 100 recognizes New York City’s most prominent real estate executives, public officials, lawmakers, labor leaders, activists, and advocates. This is Ken’s third consecutive year to be named to the influential list.
June 29, 2023
Ken Fisher is quoted in the Commercial Observer discussing the 2023 City Council primary election. Several pro-business candidates won their respective races, signaling a potential shift in the city's approach to real estate policies.
April 17, 2023
Ken Fisher is quoted in a Commercial Observer article on key issues facing the real estate industry, including rising construction costs and affordability concerns. The article discusses Governor Kathy Hochul’s and Mayor Eric Adams’ support for the real estate industry while emphasizing the need for affordable housing and infrastructure investments.
March 21, 2023
Ken Fisher, a member of the firm’s Business Law Department and Public Strategies group, and Stuart Shorenstein, Managing Director of New York Public Strategies, have been named to City & State’s New York’s 2023 Law Power 100.
March 13, 2023
Ken Fisher is quoted an article in The Real Deal that addresses the uncertainties Signature Bank customers face as federal regulators restrict deposits over $250,000 and its implications for the bank’s real estate customers.
March 01, 2023
Ken Fisher is quoted in Crain’s New York in an article discussing the fate of the Garment District, located in Midtown Manhattan, as City Council continues to hold hearings to determine if the city should use commercial vacancy to create more housing.
December 19, 2022
New York, December 19, 2022 – Cozen O’Connor and its affiliate, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, announce the release of an innovative short documentary, “New York City: What’s Ahead? A Real Estate Perspective,” with keen observations about this current unprecedented and transformative period.
December 14, 2022
Ken Fisher is quoted in a CoStar News article discussing the plans proposed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams to make it easier to convert outdated office buildings in New York City. These proposals aim to create more pedestrian-oriented districts, increase housing supply, decrease commute times, and address safety concerns in an effort to revitalize the city’s economy.
October 06, 2022
New York City real estate professionals are feeling optimistic about the city, with anti-real estate sentiment among politicians topping their list of concerns, narrowly edging out the high cost of construction.
October 03, 2022
Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
September 14, 2022
Ken Fisher and City Planning Chair Dan Garodnick discuss Mayor Eric Adams' vision for each citywide zoning amendment as a part of his “City of Yes” zoning initiative in Crain's New York Business.
July 11, 2022
New York, July 11, 2022 — Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2022 Brooklyn Power 100. The list recognizes “the borough’s most politically powerful figures, including government officials, business executives, nonprofit leaders, activists, advocates and academics.”
March 07, 2022
Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, and Stuart Shorenstein, Managing Director of Cozen O’Connor New York Public Strategies, have been named to City & State New York’s 2022 Law Power 100.
February 14, 2022
New York, February 14, 2022 — Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2022 Real Estate Power 100. The list recognizes New York City’s most influential real estate executives, public officials, lawmakers, labor leaders, activists, and advocates. Fisher was recognized for his “reputation as a respected authority working ‘at the intersection of law, politics, and community service.’”
January 25, 2022
Ken Fisher is quoted in an article in the Commercial Observer that discusses the neglected state of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) and what needs to be done to address this issue.
January 19, 2022
Ken Fisher is quoted in an article in The Real Deal about New York City’s development of an affordable housing complex for seniors at the site of Elizabeth Street Garden.
December 02, 2021
Ken Fisher moderated a panel held for New York City Council candidates at the Council Members’ Retreat, hosted by City & State.
November 04, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses plans that Eric Adams, the new mayor of New York City has to increase the housing, zoning, and quality of life issues confronting the city in Commercial Observer.
October 04, 2021
Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2021 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.
August 29, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses in the New York Post recent funds raised by Democratic Party nominee Eric Adams, who raised over $2 million in 43 days.
August 18, 2021
Ken Fisher was quoted in an article in the Commercial Observer discussing the fate of New York's unfinished transit projects following Governor Andrew Cuomo's resignation.
August 08, 2021
Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2021 Brooklyn Power 100.
June 29, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses what the end of the pandemic-related tenant protection means for landlords of commercial properties in Crain’s New York Business.
June 16, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses the race to elect a new mayor who will lead the city forward in Cooperator News New York.
April 20, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses a plan lawmakers are considering to convert distressed office buildings and hotels into housing in City & State New York.
April 19, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses the likelihood of the Gowanus rezoning project proceeding in Crain’s New York Business.
March 22, 2021
Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, and Stuart A. Shorenstein, a member of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies and chair of the New York City and state practice, were named to City & State New York’s Law Power 100.
March 22, 2021
Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100.
November 09, 2020
Ken Fisher discusses the influence local officials have in changing the skylines of major real estate cities, such as New York, in The Real Deal.
October 05, 2020
Kenneth Fisher was quoted in an article in City & State New York addressing New York City Council’s unprecedented expulsion of Council Member Andy King following accusations that he harassed staff, took a $2,000 kickback from an aide, and ignored punishments doled out by the council after previous ethics violations.
September 29, 2020
Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2020 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.
September 21, 2020
New York – September 21, 2020 – Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2020 Brooklyn Power 50.
August 31, 2020
Ken Fisher discusses alternative classroom solutions for New York City public schools as the system continues to struggle with how to safely bring students back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 05, 2020
Kenneth Fisher was quoted in an article in City & State New York about the Industry City rezoning application in Brooklyn.
July 01, 2020
Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, has been selected by the New York Law Journal to receive its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
June 10, 2020
Ken Fisher discusses the impact New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's loss of influence has on the real estate industry in The Real Deal.
May 15, 2020
Ken Fisher discusses New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides’ request for the city to restart its land use review process for the Rikers Island Public Place Mapping amid the COVID-19 pandemic in The Real Deal.
March 30, 2020
Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s Real Estate Power 100.
March 11, 2020
Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, and Stuart A. Shorenstein, a member of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies and chair of the New York City and state practice, were named to City & State New York’s 2020 Law Power 100.
January 15, 2020
Ken Fisher discusses the likelihood of the de Blasio administration reaching its rezoning goals before the term ends in a Crain’s New York Business article.
January 14, 2020
Ken Fisher was quoted in an article the New York Post discussing claims that a developer paid a New York City Hall lobbyist and a law firm with ties to Mayor DeBlasio to win approval of the expansion of a 10-story office tower in the East Village.
December 23, 2019
Ken Fisher is quoted in The Real Deal on developers’ reactions to the New York Supreme Court’s decision to nullify the Inwood neighborhood rezoning regulations.
December 05, 2019
Ken Fisher quoted in The Real Deal on New York’s decision to reduce the amounts that real estate donors and other large contributors can give to candidates for governor and other statewide offices.
November 29, 2019
Ken Fisher comments on significate changes to New York’s political climate for the real estate industry in a New York Times article.
November 19, 2019
Ken Fisher comments on proposed changes to the structure of the New York City Housing Court in an article in The Real Deal.
October 22, 2019
Ken Fisher comments on New York City Council’s decision to suspend Councilman Andy King in City & State New York.
September 27, 2019
Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.
September 06, 2019
Ken Fisher provides his perspective on whether a plan to close Rikers Island, one of the largest jails in the country, and build four new borough-based jails in New York City will succeed in City & State New York.
August 27, 2019
Ken Fisher comments on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s order to the Department of City Planning to study implementing a special permit for developing hotels in New York City in the New York Post.
August 26, 2019
Ken Fisher is quoted in Crain’s New York Business on Mayor de Blasio’s plans to implement a special permit for hotel development, following a hotel union’s (Hotel Trades Council) support of de Blasio’s presidential campaign.
August 19, 2019
Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor’s Business Law Department, was named to City & State New York’s 2019 Brooklyn Power 100.
August 07, 2019
Ken Fisher discusses Queens District Attorney Democratic candidate Melinda Katz's narrow victory over Tiffany Cabán in the primary that was announced only after a lengthy manual recount and threats of affidavit ballot challenges.
July 27, 2019
Ken Fisher was featured on a WPIX 11 New York news segment discussing the plan to build a parking garage below the Riverside Apartment complex courtyard in Brooklyn.
July 17, 2019
Ken Fisher notes the makeup of the Supreme Court could impact New York's Rent Stabilization Association's and Community Housing Improvement Program's lawsuit, challenging the New York State rent stabilization law, in an article in The Real Deal.
June 17, 2019
Ken Fisher comments on the impact just-enacted changes to New York’s rent laws will have on New York City landlords, including a provision eliminating the ability to raise rents by 20% when a rent-regulated tenant moved out.
June 05, 2019
Ken Fisher shares his thoughts on the increase in political contributions from landlords above what their trade association, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), as the State Legislature prepares for its most significant overhaul in decades.
May 22, 2019
Ken Fisher explains why the narrative of aggressive evictions in New York is unfair to landlords in a PincusCo article.
May 13, 2019
Ken Fisher discusses New York City's Right to Counsel law in The Real Deal. The article explains that New York passed the law in 2017, guaranteeing a lawyer to all low-income tenants facing eviction, and while it has received support from both tenants and landlords some issues still remain.
September 21, 2018
Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2018 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list. Twelve were recognized as Super Lawyers and five were named "Rising Stars."
October 05, 2016
The 2016 New York Metro edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 21 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
October 05, 2015
The 2015 New York Metro edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 21 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
Publications
September 13, 2023
In this alert, Ken Fisher details the initiatives impacting Brooklyn and updates the 2019 development roadmap to see potential opportunities for the future.
January 12, 2022
Ken Fisher discusses a major gamble taken by developers in Gowanus that will result in a major tax break for some developers for the next 25 years in The Real Deal.
November 29, 2021
Ken Fisher discusses the need for New York real estate companies to update their data security and privacy practices and procedures in the Brooklyn Barrister.
May 20, 2021
Ken Fisher (New York), shares a brief recap of his involvement with the Gowanus rezoning project where Mayor de Blasio proposes to upzone approximately 80 acres along the canal to make it available for residential buildings for the Commercial Observer.
March 18, 2021
Alyssa Baldassini, Vivien Krieger, and Ken Fisher discuss a series of new proposed citywide zoning text amendments that are intended to improve transit station accessibility, incentivize the creation of local grocery stores, and alleviate regulatory burdens for gyms and restaurants.
December 03, 2019
Ken Fisher authored this article on the political changes and challenges facing New York City’s real estate industry and the importance of industry activism in support of new construction and growth in the city.
July 09, 2019
Ken Fisher co-authored a chapter titled, “Turn Development Rights into Landmarks Revenue” in Maintaining: Public Works in the Next New York, published by the Urban Design Forum.
May 07, 2019
Ken Fisher discusses the misconceptions about lobbyists in New York.