About
Jeffrey has over 40 years of experience advising Long Island developers, municipalities, and institutions on their most consequential real estate matters. His practice spans the full lifecycle of complex development projects.
His focus is on complex land use approvals, zoning strategy, municipal law, and large-scale real estate development. He has guided clients through some of the region's most significant projects — from mixed-use developments to condemnation proceedings and IDA incentive negotiations across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Jeffrey founded the firm in 1976 with a vision to build Long Island's premier full-service law practice. Over four decades, that vision has translated into a 70+ attorney firm recognized nationally for depth of expertise, quality of counsel, and commitment.
Practice areas
- Real Estate
- Land Use & Zoning
- Municipal
- Condemnation
- Tax Certiorari
Experience
Representative matters
Major mixed-use development — Long Island
Represented a leading regional developer in securing municipal approvals for a 1.2M sq ft mixed-use development, including land use, zoning variances, and infrastructure agreements.
Condemnation proceeding — Nassau County
Acted as lead counsel in a contested condemnation proceeding involving a 40-acre commercial parcel, securing above-award compensation through litigation.
IDA incentive negotiation — Suffolk County
Counseled a national retailer on IDA-structured incentive agreements for a distribution center development, negotiating PILOT and public benefit determinations.
Land use approvals — Town of Hempstead
Led a multi-year approval process for a 300-unit residential development, managing SEQRA review, Planning Board submissions, and successful completion.
Recognition
Awards & accolades
“
Jeffrey Forchelli is one of Long Island's foremost land use attorneys — his knowledge of the local regulatory landscape is unmatched.
Chambers USA · Real Estate: Long Island
“
A trusted advisor to developers and municipalities alike. He navigates complex approvals with a level of practical intelligence that sets him apart.
New York Metro Super Lawyers
New York Metro Super Lawyers — Real Estate
2018–2025
Chambers USA — Real Estate: Long Island
2020–2025
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2019–2025
Long Island Business News — Power List
2024
Publications & Insights
Articles, speaking & media
Article
Regulatory relief for NY housing shortage in "Let Them Build" SEQRA amendments
Forchelli Deegan Terrana · March 2025
Article
Navigating IDA incentive structures for commercial real estate development
Long Island Business Review · January 2025
Speaking
Land Use & Zoning Forum — Nassau County Bar Association
Panelist · October 2024
Article
Municipal law considerations in large-scale New York development projects
New York Real Estate Journal · June 2024
Admissions & Education
Professional background
Bar admissions
- New York State Bar, 1982
- U.S. District Court, E.D.N.Y.
- U.S. District Court, S.D.N.Y.
Education
- J.D. — Hofstra University School of Law, 1981
- B.A. — Hofstra University, 1978
Professional memberships
- Nassau County Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- American Property Tax Counsel