Atty. Donald E. Sonnenborn
Donald Sonnenborn is co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. He advises major U.S. developers as well as landlords and lessees on office, commercial and retail properties, from acquisition, finance, management and leasing through disposition.
Profile Summary
About Donald E. Sonnenborn at a glance
Donald E. Sonnenborn is a real estate attorney based in New York, New York, practicing at Davis+Gilbert LLP. Admitted to practice in New York, New York. Educated at Haverford College (B.A.). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19 (2026). Serands clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Donald Sonnenborn is co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group
- He advises major U.S. developers as well as landlords and lessees on office, commercial and retail properties, from acquisition, finance, management and leasing through disposition
- With clients that include some of the largest commercial landlords, property owners, best-known developers, national and international retailers, and financial services companies, Donald excels at negotiating large-scale leases for both landlords and tenants, helping his clients secure properties, manage risks and restructure troubled leases
- He has handled many of New York City’s biggest leasing deals involving iconic office buildings and complexes such as Rockefeller Center, the MetLife Building, the Chrysler Center and many others
- In addition, he has handled the lease-ups of major new developments including Hudson Yards and Jackson Park
- Donald is well versed in the unique issues involved in leasing to international tenants and those with sovereign immunity, and experienced in resolving the financial and corporate real estate collateral issues that arise in commercial and retail acquisitions and dispositions
- Major developers also turn to him to represent them in forming joint ventures for the acquisition and development of real estate
- Practical and realistic in his approach, Donald applies his deep market knowledge, attention to detail, negotiating acumen, and common sense to ensure his clients have the information they need to close the best deals
- From initial discussions through preparing and reviewing final legal documents, Donald helps his clients realize their objectives
Practice Areas Explained
Donald E. Sonnenborn's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Donald E. Sonnenborn handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Donald E. Sonnenborn is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in New York →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in New York
Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New York are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New York or all attorneys in New York.
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