Michael Moshan, a seasoned New York real estate attorney, has built a legal practice that combines deep industry insight with a highly personal approach. With nearly two decades of dedicated experience and a background that spans law, business, education, and the arts, Michael offers clients a unique and comprehensive perspective. From his early days as a partner at a prominent firm to founding his solo practice, Michael Moshan, Attorney at Law, PLLC, his commitment to detail, advocacy, and client relationships has never wavered. In this interview, Michael discusses his professional journey, the realities of solo practice, and the evolving landscape of New York real estate law.
What is it like running your own solo law practice?
The biggest misconception about being a solo practitioner is that you’re on your own. In reality, I’m surrounded by a deep bench of trusted professionals—brokers, bankers, title experts, managing agents, inspectors, underwriters, and fellow attorneys—many of whom I’ve worked with for decades. When I need a quick read on a zoning issue, a rush title search, or guidance on a board’s unspoken rules, I know who to call.
Being “solo” simply means I’m the one who picks up the phone and signs the documents. It means my clients don’t get passed off to junior associates. But behind the scenes, I’m constantly collaborating. The strength of my practice comes from those relationships, and I lean on that ecosystem every day. So while I may work independently, I never work alone—and my clients benefit from that connected, experienced network.
How has your experience in founding and managing businesses influenced your approach as a solo practitioner?
Founding businesses—whether a title agency, a test prep company, or a regional tennis ladder—teaches you to solve problems, wear multiple hats, and take responsibility for outcomes. As a solo practitioner, I don’t have layers of staff or bureaucracy. That’s by design. My clients speak to me directly, and I guide them personally through the process from start to finish.
Having led teams and managed growth initiatives, I’m also more adept at anticipating friction points. I know how to streamline closings, collaborate with brokers and lenders, and keep deals moving even under pressure. Ultimately, running a business makes you proactive—you can’t just react. That mindset carries into every legal matter I handle.
What advice would you give to first-time homebuyers in New York navigating today’s real estate climate?
Slow down just enough to understand what you’re signing—but not so much that you miss the opportunity. New York real estate is famously fast-paced, and that can feel overwhelming for first-time buyers. My advice is to work with a team that educates you as they guide you. Ask questions. Understand the contract contingencies, the role of the board (if it’s a co-op), the tax implications, and what happens if something goes sideways.
It’s also important to know that you’re allowed to pause and think. The market moves fast, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel confident at each stage. A good real estate attorney won’t just push paper—they’ll act as your translator, advocate, and calm in the storm.
Can you share a memorable client story that illustrates the impact of your hands-on legal approach?
A young couple once came to me in a panic—days before their closing, their bank pulled funding over a title issue that no one had noticed. Their previous attorney had barely explained anything; the lender was giving them the runaround. I jumped in, got on the phone with the underwriter and title company, and discovered the problem was tied to an old lien that had been improperly released years earlier. We corrected the record, reissued the title report, and kept the deal alive.
The couple later told me they felt like someone had finally “stepped into the ring” for them. That moment crystallized what I aim to do in every case: offer not just legal clarity but real peace of mind.
How do you stay grounded and motivated through the high-pressure world of New York real estate law?
I stay grounded by remembering that behind every deal is a real person or family making a life decision. Whether someone is buying their first apartment or selling a longtime home, these moments matter. That human element keeps me present.
I also draw strength from outside the office—playing keys in a local band, organizing tennis events, delivering meals with my wife for local charities. These activities keep my world big and my ego in check. Perspective is everything when you’re handling transactions that move fast and have a lot on the line.
In your view, how has the legal side of real estate evolved over the past 20 years, and what changes excite you most?
The digitization of real estate law has been both a challenge and an opportunity. Twenty years ago, wet signatures and in-person closings were the norm. Today, remote closings, e-notarizations, and instant access to due diligence materials are the new standard.
What excites me is how these tools can enhance—not replace—the human side of law. When used well, technology reduces delays and errors, allowing attorneys to focus more on strategy and guidance. But I also see a growing risk of commoditization. I believe the future belongs to those who embrace innovation and bring personal judgment to the table.
How do you balance precision and speed in a legal environment where both are critical to success?
Real estate law demands you be both fast and right—every time. My strategy is to build systems that anticipate problems before they arise. I maintain detailed checklists, double-review all documents, and stay closely looped in with every player involved.
But I also know when to slow the process down—if something smells off in a contract, a title report, or a co-op board’s bylaws, I’ll hit pause and dig deeper. Clients appreciate that I don’t just rush to close—I aim to close with confidence.
What unique challenges do you see in handling title issues in suburban transactions versus city co-ops?
Suburban transactions often come with complex title issues—like boundary disputes, old easements, or unpermitted improvements—that city co-op buyers don’t have to deal with. In Westchester, for instance, I’ve had to untangle situations involving shared driveways or expired variances that were never properly recorded.
On the flip side, city co-ops can be opaque and highly subjective. The board has tremendous discretion, and understanding the building’s financials, house rules, and approval process becomes crucial. Each environment requires a different skill set—but in both, clarity and communication are everything.
What do you believe makes real estate law a relationship-driven field, and how do you cultivate long-term client trust?
Buying or selling real estate is one of the most high-stakes, emotional, and expensive decisions most people ever make. It’s inherently personal. As their attorney, you’re not just a legal technician—you’re a guide, a problem-solver, and sometimes even a therapist.
I build long-term trust by showing up fully. I return calls promptly, explain things clearly, and never pass clients off to junior staff. Many of my clients come back to me for their next home, refer me to their children, or ask for help navigating a parent’s estate. That kind of trust is built one thoughtful interaction at a time.
Outside the office, you’re known for music, tennis, and even SAT education—how do these passions influence your professional identity?
Each of those passions reflects a different part of how I work. Music—especially live performance—teaches you to listen closely, collaborate, and adapt on the fly. Tennis sharpens your competitive edge and forces you to focus under pressure. And the SAT work I’ve done—helping teens gain confidence and clarity—reminds me how valuable clear communication can be, especially when someone feels out of their depth.
I bring all of that into my law practice. Whether I’m helping a first-time buyer or negotiating a multimillion-dollar sale, I show up as a whole person, not just a technician. I think clients can feel that—and I think it makes a difference.
Thank you to Michael Moshan for sharing his insights and experience in real estate law. His thoughtful, hands-on approach and extensive industry knowledge are a clear asset to his clients in New York’s dynamic property market.