Michael R. Glanzman

Michael R. Glanzman is a trusted advisor to real estate developers, owners, and construction industry stakeholders throughout the New York metropolitan area, combining practical deal insight with a reputation for decisive, results-driven litigation.

With deep experience in high-value, complex development projects, Michael partners with clients at every stage of the deal lifecycle—from structuring and contract negotiation to risk management and dispute resolution—helping them move projects forward efficiently while protecting their investments.

Michael is not only a legal advisor—he is a strategic partner who understands the realities of development in New York.  He is regularly called upon to navigate critical issues that arise during active projects, including access and license agreements, construction contract disputes, financing-related conflicts, and neighbor claims. His proactive approach is designed to anticipate problems early, avoid disruption, and preserve deal economics.

What sets Michael apart is his ability to transition seamlessly from problem-solving advisor to aggressive advocate when disputes arise. While he is highly effective at resolving issues before they escalate, he is equally known for taking a hard line when necessary—applying pressure, controlling the narrative, and driving disputes toward favorable outcomes. Opposing parties quickly learn that he is prepared to litigate aggressively and see matters through trial or final adjudication.

Clients value Michael’s ability to align litigation strategy with business realities. Whether pursuing claims or defending against them, he approaches each matter with intensity, precision, and a clear objective: achieving the best possible outcome while protecting the broader economics of the project. He represents developers,  contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, and design professionals, with a particular focus on complex, high-value projects where timing, leverage, and execution are critical.

Michael's Practice

Representative Matters

• Successfully represented international real estate developer in complex litigation against construction manager and its principals involving breach of contract, fraud and willful exaggeration of mechanic’s lien claims arising out of $100 million development project in Brooklyn, New York; obtained favorable settlement during trial.
• Obtained favorable result, including the payment of damages to the client and reimbursement of client’s attorney’s fees, in an arbitration involving a preeminent New York developer arising out of a large-scale construction project in Manhattan.
• Represented general contractor client in AAA arbitration before a three-arbitrator panel in connection with a multi-million dispute. Successfully obtained an award directing payment to client including full recovery on contractor’s claim for unpaid work plus interest.
• Successfully defended high-profile interior designer client in a multi-million AAA arbitration before a three-arbitrator panel resulting in favorable award denying nearly all of claimants claims.
• Obtained favorable resolution of complex property damage (i.e., underpinning) action on behalf of client, which included the payment of several millions of dollars to client.
• Frequently represent owners and adjacent property owners (i.e., neighbors) in the negotiation and drafting of license agreements and disputes arising out of such agreements.
• Successfully discharged multi-million-dollar mechanic’s lien on behalf of real estate developer prior to the commencement of lien foreclosure action.
• Represented an international conglomerate in connection with construction of a $2 billion entertainment and retail complex, water park and amusement park. Representation included drafting design, construction and supply contracts as well as binding arbitration proceedings with general contractor and subcontractor over claims for extra work.