Shari Lee Sugarman, Esq.
There is an old adage that asserts that a person should do one thing and do it well. Shari Lee Sugarman decided early in her career to challenge that proposition and become a phenom in two fields, merging her legal expertise with her real estate knowledge. It is an integration not only of her many skills, but a channel through which she can indulge her two greatest passions—working with and helping people.
ABOUT SHARI
Shari is the founder of Sugarman Law, P.C., a boutique firm that focuses on commercial and residential real estate law, loan workouts, and foreclosure defense in addition to a full suite of business law services and estate planning. Prior to establishing her namesake firm in 2005, she worked with some of the best attorneys in litigation on Long Island. Today, she brings 23 years of experience to a role that she refers to as “the best of both worlds,” using her legal expertise—litigation, corporate operations, and contracts—in tandem with her knowledge of real estate—purchase and sale of residential and commercial properties, lending, and closing—to assist clients in a comprehensive manner.
Focus and skills are not the only differentiating factors for Shari. They are in complement of her greatest asset—personalized service. “I like being able to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s often the little things that have the greatest impact, and if I can make somebody’s life a little bit easier, then I’ve done my job,” Shari shares.
ABOUT SUGARMAN LAW, PC
The firm’s motto says it all—"We plan to protect your home, your business, and your legacy.” This three-part approach, which represents both the mission and the service offerings, could not be more accurate. Sugarman Law assists small- to mid-sized businesses from their conception through the structuring of their daily operations, and then remains available for any unexpected legal challenges. Further still, Shari and her team work to safeguard the individuals behind these companies by preserving their legacies through estate planning and wealth preservation. For her real estate clients, she brings an uncommon understanding of the intricate language of real estate law, giving them confidence that they are well represented in commercial and residential closings, settlement loans, landlord tenant disputes, lease preparation and enforcement, condominium documents, foreclosure protection, loan modification and more.
THE INTERVIEW
Shari, how did you come to combine your interests in law and real estate?
I was a real estate paralegal before going to law school, working for a real estate developer. After I received my law degree, I was trained by some of the best attorneys on Long Island, and I worked for some large firms doing commercial and construction litigation, working with real estate developers and companies, and banking compliance. I found that I really enjoyed the real estate area, in particular, so when I went out on my own in 2005, I went with something I knew—real estate and other transactional matters. By combining my experience in transactional matters with my litigation expertise, I can uncover the holes in a contract to then prevent litigation. In 2007, the market crashed, and people were losing their homes, and investors and developers were suffering tremendously. It was almost instinctual for me to combine my legal and real estate experience as a way to combat the loss and help people. While there had been no question in my mind from the beginning to focus my practice in this area, when I was able to assist so many people during that difficult time, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.
What makes your firm different from others?
We offer big firm service with small firm personalization. Our culture is not focused on revenues; it’s about relationships. There are a lot of firms where it’s about the number of hours they can generate. That’s not what my firm is about. If my staff needs to take time off, they’ve got it. If my client works nights and I have to talk to her at 4 a.m., I’ll make myself available. The service I offer is what sets me apart and epitomizes our goal as a company. I give a small gift to each of our purchasers, usually something pineapple related, the symbol of hospitality. I know this gesture is atypical for attorneys, but that’s just who I am. It makes me smile.
Many law firm owners with your résumé assume more of a management role, assigning cases to their legal teams. Yet you choose to be intimately involved in each of your clients’ cases. Why is this important to you?
It’s all about my reputation. Clients come me to deal with me, not to be passed off to an associate or a paralegal. I’ve had many clients for over 20 years, and I still remember the details about their businesses and families. It’s important to me that my clients know, without any doubt, that they are my most valued asset.
Can you share a memorable experience with a client that touched you deeply?
I was representing a woman right before COVID started. She had found a space for her “dream bakery” and asked me to negotiate the lease. It took a long time because of the pandemic, but we got favorable terms and she opened for business in 2021. The week before, we ordered cakes for my husband’s retirement party, and I got to see her doing what she loved. It was very rewarding. Another time, clients came to me at risk of losing their home due to foreclosure. By the time they left my office, we’d come up with a plan to save the home. They gave me a big hug and said, “Thank God we met you.” That had a huge impact on me, not only because I helped save a family home, but because of their happiness. It was heartwarming. My clients and I often become great friends—it’s why I love doing what I do.
Shari received her J.D. from Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and is admitted to practice before all state courts in New York as well as the Eastern and Southern Federal District Courts. She is active in the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, having served two terms as president and as chair of various committees. She is also on the board of directors of the Suffolk County Habitat for Humanity and is active in the North Babylon and Deer Park chambers of commerce.
Shari Lee Sugarman, Esq.
Principal and Founder
Sugarman Law, P.C.
Website: sugarmanlawpc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-lee-sugarman-3291001/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarmanLawPC
Instagram: Sugarman Law PC
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