• Valerie Campbell advises residential and commercial developers, property owners, and nonprofit, cultural, religious and educational institutions in land use, zoning, historic preservation and environmental matters in connection with major projects throughout New York City. Valerie’s work includes new developments, expansions and enlargements, and adaptive reuse and alterations in historic districts or areas adjacent to individual landmarks.

    Previously general counsel to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and deputy counsel to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Valerie brings to her work extensive practical knowledge and experience, from both the private and public perspectives. She guides clients through the complex regulatory processes at the Department of City Planning, the Board of Standards and Appeals, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, helping shape applications that win project approvals and avoid costly and delaying public hearings. Her work also includes advising clients on compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and negotiating and drafting complex development rights transfer agreements.

    Chambers USA and Legal 500 have recognized Valerie as one of their leading lawyers. Chambers sources describe her as “smart, professional and dependable,” and note that she “draws upon her impressive experience working in the public sector to advise owners, developers and others on all aspects of zoning and land use.” Legal 500 describes Valerie as “one of the city’s go-to names for landmarks projects.” Valerie is also the author of the LexisNexis Practical Guide to New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission: Designation and Regulatory Process (2021).  

    Valerie dedicates significant time to pro bono representations. Most recently she advised Broadway Housing Communities in obtaining a rezoning and other land use approvals for a project in Harlem that includes 124 affordable housing units, the Sugar Hill Museum Preschool and the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling.

    Experience

    • Represented a major design-build developer in obtaining Landmarks Preservation Commission, Board of Standards and Appeal, and City Planning Commission approvals for new buildings in SoHo, Tribeca and Noho historic districts.

    • Cultural Institutions: Land use counsel to The Frick Collection, the Brooklyn Museum, the New York Historical Society and Carnegie Hall in connection with obtaining Landmarks Preservation Commission approvals for major expansion projects.

    • Religious Institutions and Schools: Land use advice to numerous churches, synagogues and schools regarding landmarks designation and regulation, discretionary zoning approvals and transfer of development rights.

    • Residential Development: Land use counsel to owners in connection with obtaining land use approvals from the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the City Planning Commission for  private townhouses in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

    • Commercial Development: Provide land use advice to major developers, theaters and retailers in connection with new development, enlargements, adaptive reuse and alterations in historic districts or adjacent to individual Represented landmarked buildings including The Waldorf Astoria, Bush Tower, The Empire State Building, The Knickerbocker Hotel, The Mark Hotel, Chase Manhattan Plaza, The Seagram’s Building, The Plaza Hotel and The Chanin Building.

    • Representation of pro bono client Broadway Housing Communities in obtaining a rezoning and other land use approvals for a project in Harlem that includes 124 affordable housing units, the Sugar Hill Museum Preschool and Sugar Hill Museum of Art and Storytelling.

    Credentials

    Education

    • J.D., with honors, University of North Carolina School of Law, 1987
    • Master's of Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1987
    • B.A., Bryn Mawr College, 1981

    Bar Admissions

    • New York

    Professional Affiliations

    • New York City Bar Association

    Focus Areas