Our Attorneys & Team
Meet the Team
Karen Schwartz-Sidrane, Esq.
Partner
Karen Schwartz-Sidrane earned a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism from Cornell University, and her Juris Doctorate from the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University.
Ms. Schwartz-Sidrane has represented landlords in countless proceedings and hearing before the New York State DHCR. [She has broad experience with rent overcharge cases, fair market rent appeals, major capital improvement challenges, luxury deregulation and service issues]. She has successfully challenged many adverse rulings, obtained favorable ruling in State Supreme Court and has argued numerous appeals in the Appellate Division.
Ms. Schwartz-Sidrane is a frequent contributor to the New York Apartment Law Insider. She has lectured for the Rent Stabilization Association (RSA) and spoken frequently on topics critical to the industry.
Steven D. Sidrane, Esq.
Partner
Steve D. Sidrane earned a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental planning from Rutgers University, cum laude, a masters in City & Regional Planning from Cornell University and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.
Prior to entering the legal field, Mr. Sidrane was the CEO of one of the largest printing businesses on Long Island and served as a Special Consultant to Rand McNally.
He began his legal career as a Court Attorney for the Appellate Division, Second Department. He then worked as a Law Secretary for the Honorable F. Dana Winslow, Supreme Court, Nassau County. He entered private practice for an additional three years prior to forming his current partnership with Karen Schwartz-Sidrane.
Mr. Sidrane is involved in all aspects of Commercial and Civil litigation, DHCR matters, CONH Applications and Substantial Rehabilitation issues and applications.
Arun Perinbasekar, Esq.
Partner
Arun Perinbasekar received his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Pre-medicine from New York University and his Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School. He is an experienced litigator in Housing
Court and Supreme Court. He has handled the wide variety of DHCR cases that challenge owners in the daily pursuit of managing buildings in NYC. Arun leads the appeals group within the firm.
He is a frequently author of articles aimed for the landlord community and a frequent contributor to New York Apartment Insider. He has given numerous lectures for the Real Estate Industry.
Michael Littman, Esq.
Partner
Michael Littman attended Binghamton University, majoring in Philosophy, Politics & Law. He received his Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law and is admitted in New York and Florida.
Michael is the lead partner in our transactional department, handling closings for single family residences to multi-family buildings. He is also an experienced litigator in Housing Court and Supreme court. He has handled the wide variety of DHCR cases that challenge owners in the daily pursuit of managing buildings in NYC.
Michael has given numerous lectures for the Real Estate Industry, including the Rent Stabilization Association (RSA).
Jason Engelstein, Esq.
Senior Associate
Jason Engelstein is a Senior Associate Attorney. He attended University of California, Berkeley, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Philosophy and Political Science. He then attended Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.
He has practiced law in Housing Court, Criminal Court, as well as administrative law before DHCR and human rights agencies on the State and City levels. He has a diverse background in Supreme and Civil Court litigation, including personal injury, insurance, matrimonial, bankruptcy and family law. Mr. Engelstein is admitted in New York, New Jersey, Southern and Eastern Districts of NY, the district courts of NJ and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Miles F. Altarac, Esq.
Senior Associate
Miles Altarac is a Senior Associate attorney. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his Doctorate of Law from Albany Law School. Miles is a Housing Court litigator and represents owners before various agencies including the DHCR.
Miles has lectured and authored articles on Real Estate Industry issues.
Michael Hilt
Juris Doctor
Michael J. Hilt recently graduated from the Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2023. With a solid foundation in legal research, writing, and a strong commitment to the legal community, Michael is eager to embark on a successful career as an attorney.
During his time at Touro Law, Michael distinguished himself as an Associate Editor of the Law Review, showcasing his keen attention to detail and his ability to analyze complex legal issues. His contributions to the Law Review demonstrated his passion for legal scholarship and his dedication to producing high-quality legal work.
In addition to his academic achievements, Michael served as the Vice President of the Student Bar Association, where he displayed strong leadership skills and a collaborative spirit. His commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive law school community has left a lasting impact on his peers and colleagues.
Michael’s enthusiasm for the law, coupled with his academic achievements and leadership experience, positions him as a valuable asset in the legal profession. As he begins his journey as an associate attorney, Michael is poised to make meaningful contributions to the legal field and provide exceptional service to his clients.
Michelle D’Elia
Senior Paralegal
Michelle D’Elia attended Queens College and received her Paralegal Certificate from Adelphi University.
Michelle has commenced countless proceedings for Housing Court, including non-payments, holdovers including failure to renew cases and nuisance proceedings. She guides clients if they receive Orders to Show Cause. She spent years in Housing Court assisting in the settlement of cases and is responsible for all of the follow-up including warrants and scheduling evictions.
She is unique in that her experience is equally broad regarding proceedings before the DHCR, including service complaints and registration issues.
Michelle is the guiding voice for DHCR Registrations, lease questions, security deposits issues and all of the other questions that come up in running a building.
She has lectured on Real Estate industry topics.
Simone Gordon
Paralegal
Simone Gordon attended Nassau Community College where she received her Certificate in Paralegal Studies. She is currently attending SUNY Old Westbury to complete her studies in politics, economics and law.
Simone has commenced many proceedings for Housing Court: non-payments and holdovers, including failure to renew cases and nuisance proceedings. She is responsible for guiding owners in setting up the proper information to start court cases. She is vigilant in keeping clients informed of updates in the litigation.
As our firm rolls out our Landlord/Tenant case access for clients, Simone is there to assist clients in using this vital information resource.
Simone also files Rent Restoration Application with DHCR to restore the rent when a tenant or tenants have obtained a rent reduction.
