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New York’s Premier
Tenants’ Rights Law Firm
You can count on our commitment to tenants. We don't evict anyone.
NYC Tenants’ Rights And Real Estate Firm
We Support the Struggle to Dismantle Systemic Racism
All of us at HMGDJ are aggrieved and outraged over the senseless murder of George Floyd and many other African American people by police officers who are entrusted by the public with the duty to protect and safeguard life, first and foremost. We support the struggle of Black people in NYC and around the country to require the police departments and our elected government representatives to immediately implement concrete solutions to prevent the devaluation and dehumanization of Black life. Systemic racism in all its forms, including housing, has no place in our democracy, or a decent society, and should be relegated to the rubbish heap of history.
You can continue to count on our commitment to provide the best legal representation to our clients
Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP by the numbers:
35+YEARS of practice

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS of overcharges
recovered

10,000+ tenants represented throughout
New York

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS of rent increases
blocked

300 years of combined legal
experience

Talk to us today to learn how we may help you.
tenants’ rights

co-ops & condos

Real estate

commercial tenants

HMGDJ Recovers Over $8 Million In Rent Refunds, A Waiver Of MCI Charges And Forgiveness Of 10 Years Of Rent Increases In Historic J51 Class Action Settlement
HMGDJ has recovered over $8 million in rent refunds, a waiver of MCI charges, and forgiveness of any possible rent increases over the past 10 years as part of a J-51 class action settlement for current and past tenants of an Upper East Side building. The agreement, approved by New York State Supreme Court last week, is one of the largest class action settlements in a J-51 overcharge case since the 2009 Roberts decision. The $8 million will be distributed among 327 past and current tenants of the Clermont, located at 442 East 82nd Street. The settlement guarantees permanent rent stabilized status for class members. The tenant class is represented by William Gribben and Ron Languedoc of HMGDJ, and by Matt Brinckerhoff of Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP.
Protecting Tenants, Co-op
Shareholders And Condo Unit
Owners Since 1983
When your home or business is threatened, you need smart, experienced attorneys on your side. You need attorneys who truly care and who have extensive experience protecting people like you. At Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP, you will find a law firm with a singular dedication to protecting tenants.
We advocate on behalf of individuals, families, tenant associations, cooperative shareholder groups, condominium associations and commercial tenants in disputes over evictions, rent increases, rental-owner conversions and other issues.
Commercial Real Estate
Disputes Require Experienced
Counsel
Why Work With Us?
Our experienced team has an impressive record of success with victories that include seminal Court of Appeals decisions. You will get a firm that brings knowledge and passion to every case.
Local Knowledge Makes The Difference In Real Estate
If you are buying or selling real estate in New York City, you need an attorney you can trust with your home or apartment. We understand that this may be one of the largest transactions you will ever make. Our law firm combines decades of experience with thorough knowledge of the New York real estate market and applicable laws. Let us help take care of your home, condo or co-op real estate matter, so it goes as smoothly as possible and you are protected.
In The News

Sam Himmelstein is extensively quoted in this article on landlords’ obligation to perform repairs and provide services and force recalcitrant landlords to comply.
Sam Himmelstein’s most recent Ask Sam article on BrickUnderground.com offers commentary on what tenants and landlords might expect in light of the Democrats gaining a supermajority in the New York State Senate.



Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP Is
At The Epicenter Of The Everchanging New York Rent Laws
On Our Blog
Don’t get duped by an illegal apartment when apartment hunting
Far too often, landlords lease apartments that don’t meet legal criteria and can put you at risk. As a renter, it is importan…
Read More
Tenants in rent stabilized apartments have the right to renew their lease
Apartment hunting can be a grueling process. When you finally find a place that works for you, you want to make sure you can …
Read More
Over 50 percent of NYC tenants use over half their income for rent
Surviving in New York City requires much more than just tenacity and a New York attitude. In today’s housing market, it also …
Read More
Press releases
Your Landlord Has A Lawyer. You Need One, Too.
People often make the mistake of trying to manage a landlord-tenant dispute on their own. Without experienced legal counsel, however, it is easy to make the situation worse. We are skilled at negotiating with landlords, fighting eviction and representing clients in housing court.