Cynthia Lovinger Siderman

Cynthia Lovinger Siderman advises and represents clients in connection with land use matters, particularly in the area of eminent domain. A practitioner in the area of eminent domain for more than a decade, including representing condemnors, Cynthia is an effective advocate representing the interests of landowners and tenants in eminent domain proceedings, both in valuation trials to obtain just compensation and in appellate courts to protect and further the awards of compensation.

Among her most notable recent work, Cynthia obtained settlements in excess of $100 million for the owners of waterfront properties in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and she secured, on the eve of trial, a settlement in excess of $20 million for the owners of commercial property condemned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the Second Avenue Subway. Cynthia has also served as condemnation counsel for government agencies, including the New York City School Construction Authority, the New York City Housing Authority and the MTA.

In addition to condemnation and eminent domain actions, Cynthia litigates other real estate-related issues, including adverse possession and landlord-tenant contractual disputes, as well as general litigation matters.

Experience

Obtained settlements in excess of $100 million for the owners of waterfront properties in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Secured, on the eve of trial, a settlement in excess of $20 million for the owners of commercial property condemned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the Second Avenue Subway.
Secured substantial awards for the owners of commercial properties in Long Island City and Manhattan to facilitate the East Side Access Project connecting the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Station.

Secured a $20.7 million award, plus interest, for a Nassau County property owner in an eminent domain dispute regarding land that required environmental remediation at the time it was taken, following an 18-day bench trial.
Represented a landowner in the Second Avenue Subway eminent domain proceeding, obtaining a multimillion-dollar settlement of approximately twice the original offer by the condemnor.
Obtained a multimillion-dollar settlement for two landowners from the city of New York in connection with a condemnation in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Secured an award of $12 million on behalf of property owners after a four-day trial in connection with the condemnation of their Long Island City properties by the MTA to facilitate the East Side Access Project to connect the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Station.
Served as condemnation counsel for government agencies, including the New York City School Construction Authority, the New York City Housing Authority and the MTA.

Credentials

Education

J.D., cum laude, American University – Washington College of Law, 2001
- Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law, Line Editor
- Criminal Justice Clinic
B.A. Political Science with Honors, Washington University in St. Louis, 1995

Bar Admissions

New Jersey, 2001
New York, 2002

Court Admissions

U.S.D.C., District of New Jersey
U.S.D.C., Eastern District of New York
U.S.D.C., Southern District of New York

Professional Affiliations

New York City Bar Association, Condemnation and Tax Certiorari Committee
Springfield, New Jersey, Zoning Board of Adjustment