Kevin Scully
AssociateMore
Joseph Brees
AssociateMore
Emma Young Choo
ASSOCIATEMore
Sara Leston
ASSOCIATEMore
Matthew S. Quinn
Founding PartnerFor over two decades, Matthew Quinn has successfully represented prominent clients in the design and construction industries, including national and multi-national corporate, professional and institutional firms, major commercial developers, building owners, architects and engineers. Mr. Quinn skillfully and effectively represents his clients in litigations, arbitrations and other dispute resolution forums with a focus on design- and construction-related claims. He also negotiates and advises clients on agreements relating to design and construction projects, including residential, commercial and public developments.
Mr. Quinn advises and represents clients in connection with legal issues arising during the course of construction projects, including those unique to urban settings. He provides general counseling services, advising clients on business-related matters, insurance issues and employment policies and practices. He counsels and represents clients with respect to business formation and ownership transfer, including drafting and negotiating organizational and purchase agreements. Mr. Quinn has also successfully defended several prominent clients in employment-related matters.
Mr. Quinn received his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in 1987 and his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1990, where he was selected for The Fordham International Law Journal. Mr. Quinn is a former co-chair of the AIA New York State/ACEC New York Practice Advisory Committee on Contracts and is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Real Estate Board of New York and ACEC New York. Mr. Quinn has spoken on numerous construction-related topics, with a particular focus on issues relating to design and construction in urban environments.
Bar ADmissions
- State of New York
- State of New Jersey
- United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- United States District Court, District of New Jersey
Publications
“Beware the Temptation to Offer Extra Services,” New York Construction Law Magazine
“Proceed with Caution in Assigning Professional Services Contracts,” New Jersey Law Journal
“Design and Construction Entities and Licensing,” New York Construction Law, published by Aspen Publishers, Inc.
Recent Speaking Engagements
New York University’s Master’s Program in Real Estate, Real Estate Development, Guest Lecturer, Project Delivery Methods
Leadership Mentoring Networking Opportunity for A+D Professionals (“LMNOP”), Demystifying Insurance
Christopher McCabe
Founding PartnerChristopher McCabe’s experience representing clients in the design and construction industries spans nearly twenty years. His clients include major real estate developers, building owners, design professionals, construction managers and owner’s representatives. Mr. McCabe represents clients in negotiations of contracts relating to the development of residential, commercial, university and hospital buildings, hotels, community centers, and other private and public projects. He also advises clients on a broad range of legal issues arising from the development of construction projects. Mr. McCabe represents clients in complex litigations relating to the ownership and development of real estate including construction delay claims, disputes between owners and contractors, design errors and omissions, applications for access to neighboring properties and other construction-related disputes. He also advises clients on business-related matters, insurance issues, and employment policies and practices, and prepares corporate agreements relating to shareholders, partnerships, and employment.
Mr. McCabe’s experience working in his family’s mechanical contracting firm gives him additional insight into legal matters concerning the construction and real estate industries.
Mr. McCabe received his bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University in 1992 and his law degree from New York Law School in 1995. He is the former co-chair of the AIA New York State/ACEC New York Practice Advisory Committee on Consultants and is a member of ACEC New York, the American Bar Association and the Real Estate Board of New York. Mr. McCabe has lectured on a variety of construction-related topics.
Bar ADmissions
- State of New York
- State of New Jersey
- State of Connecticut
- United States District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York
Publications
“Insurance and Surety Bonds Relating to the Design and Construction Industries,” New York Construction Law, published by Aspen Publishers, Inc.
“Reducing Professional Liability Insurance Premiums,” New York Real Estate Journal and the ACEC New York Chapter Newsletter
“Limiting Design Professionals’ Exposure to Errors and Omissions Claims,” New York Real Estate Journal<
Recent Speaking Engagements
American Bar Association Construction Superconference
Simon Block
PartnerSimon Block represents clients in the design and construction industries, in both litigation and transactional matters. He has successfully litigated complex commercial cases for corporate and individual clients and has significant expertise resolving disputes, including those with adjoining property owners, through mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and litigation.
In order to efficiently serve his clients’ legal and business needs, Mr. Block leverages his extensive experience advising clients on a wide variety of business-related matters, including insurance issues, employment policies and practices, commercial contracts, intellectual property, professional malpractice, misappropriation of trade secrets and business torts.
Mr. Block drafts and negotiates contracts relating to the design and construction of major projects. He also represents clients with respect to business formation and ownership transfer, and preparing and negotiating shareholder, operating and employment agreements.
Mr. Block received his bachelor’s degree, with distinction, from Cornell University in 1993 and his law degree, cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School in 1996, where he was a Notes & Comments Editor of the Brooklyn Law Review. Mr. Block has served as an Adjunct Instructor of Legal Writing at Brooklyn Law School, and as a small claims arbitrator for the Civil Court of the City of New York.
Bar ADmissions
- State of New York
- State of California
- United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- United States District Court, Central District of California
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Jonathan H. Krukas
PartnerJonathan Krukas has extensive experience representing clients in the construction industry, including project developers, property owners, contractors, architects, engineers, interior designers and material suppliers, in both litigations and in transactional matters. Each year from 2016 through and including 2022, Mr. Krukas was selected as a “Rising Star” in the field of Construction Litigation by New York Super Lawyers magazine. In 2022, Mr. Krukas was named as a fellow in the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation only organization recognizing leading construction lawyers throughout the country.
Mr. Krukas represents clients in a wide array of construction-related litigations and claims, including those associated with construction defects and delays, petitions for court-ordered licenses, professional malpractice, insurance disputes and indemnification obligations, at both the trial and appellate levels. When litigating matters, Mr. Krukas leverages his experience in alternative dispute resolution to pursue favorable, cost-effective results. However, where settlement is not possible, he skillfully litigates actions on behalf of clients. Recently, Mr. Krukas completed a several week trial which resulted in a jury verdict in the full amount of the client’s claim.
Mr. Krukas also has broad experience drafting, negotiating and analyzing agreements for clients. He regularly negotiates neighbor access agreements on behalf of both developers and adjacent property owners. He also represents clients in the negotiation of construction manager agreements, subcontractor agreements and architect and consultant agreements in connection with major construction projects. Mr. Krukas also advises and assists clients with corporate governance and ownership transition issues, including drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, partnership agreements and employment agreements.
Mr. Krukas received his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, where he graduated cum laude, and his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law.
Bar ADmissions
- State of New York
- State of New Jersey
- United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- United States District Court, District of New Jersey
Recent Speaking Engagements
Uproar Next Door: Adjacent Construction Concerns, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Seminar Series
Eric A. Thorsen
PartnerEric Thorsen represents real estate developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and contractors in both litigation and transactional matters. His litigation practice includes representing clients in a variety of construction-related matters, including adjacent property access issues, breach of contract claims, contractor and subcontractor disputes, foreclosure and discharge of mechanic's liens, and insurance disputes. Mr. Thorsen also drafts and negotiates neighbor access agreements on behalf of both developers and neighboring property owners.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Thorsen represented insurance carriers, property owners, and contractors in connection with New York Labor Law and negligence claims, and also defended New York Workers' Compensation claims.
Mr. Thorsen received his bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, from Manhattan College. He obtained his law degree, cum laude, from New York Law School.
Bar ADmissions
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State of New York
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State of New Jersey
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United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
Kevin Scully
ASSOCIATEMr. Scully represents real estate developers, property owners, contractors, material suppliers and design professionals in both litigation and transactional matters. He represents clients in construction-related litigation relating to claims for construction delay, insurance, indemnification, breach of contract, and access to adjacent properties. Mr. Scully also drafts and negotiates contracts regarding a wide array of issues relating to the construction of real estate projects all over the New York City area.
Prior to joining Quinn McCabe, Mr. Scully served as a law clerk in the Civil Division of New Jersey Superior Court in Newark and as an associate for three years at a boutique commercial litigation firm in Long Island.
Kevin Scully received his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland and his law degree, cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School in 2011. His note, The Most Dangerous Game: U.S. Opposition to the Cultural Exception, was published in the Brooklyn Journal of International Law, for which he served as Associate Managing Editor.
Bar ADmissions
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State of New York
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State of New Jersey
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United States District Court, District of New
Joseph D. Brees
ASSOCIATEJoseph Brees assists in the firm’s representation of developers, property owners, contractors, and design professionals in litigation and transactional matters. Mr. Brees handles a variety of construction-related litigation matters, including those associated with defect and damage claims. Mr. Brees also drafts and negotiates neighboring property access agreements.
Mr. Brees is the author of the law review article “Trade Secrets Go Federal – Parade to Follow,” which analyzes the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 and its impact on the U.S. economy. Mr. Brees also authored the article “New York State Courts Permitted to Take Judicial Notice of Google Maps,” which appeared in the June 2019 edition of Nassau Lawyer.
Prior to joining Quinn McCabe, Mr. Brees practiced complex commercial and corporate litigation at a law firm on Long Island.
Mr. Brees received his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Binghamton University, State University of New York. He received his law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where he served as a Staff Editor, Executive Articles Editor, and Member of the Editorial Board of the University of Maryland Journal of Business & Technology Law.
Bar ADmissions
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State of New York
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United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
EMMA YOUNG CHOO
ASSOCIATEEmma Choo represents real estate developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and contractors in both litigation and transactional matters. Her litigation work encompasses a variety of construction-related issues, including adjacent property access issues, breach of contract claims, contractor and subcontractor conflicts, and insurance disputes. She also drafts and negotiates neighbor access agreements for both developers and neighboring property owners. Before joining the firm, Ms. Choo represented insurance carriers, property owners, and contractors in New York Labor Law and negligence claims.
Ms. Choo earned her law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she was on the Dean’s List for four consecutive semesters, was a staff member of the Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology, and served as Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. Ms. Choo is actively involved in community outreach. She is a committee member of Korean Attorneys in New York (KANY) and a gala committee member for The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY).
Bar ADmissions
State of New York
Sara Leston
ASSOCIATESara Leston assists in the firm’s representation of developers, property owners, design professionals, and construction firms in both litigation and transactional matters.
Ms. Leston received her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University, where she studied Political Science and Spanish Language and Literature, and her Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law. While in law school, Ms. Leston served as Associate Managing Editor of the N.Y. Real Property Law Journal and as a Fellow for the Mattone Family Institute for Real Estate Law, and was selected as a WX Scholar by WX, Inc., whose mission is to promote the advancement of women in commercial real estate.
Bar ADmissions
State of New York
Mercedes Martinez
Office ManagerMercedes Martinez is the Office Manager at Quinn McCabe and has over 26 years of experience in the legal industry. Ms. Martinez supervises administrative staff and oversees the daily operations and procedures of the firm.
Prior to joining Quinn McCabe, Ms. Martinez was an office manager at another law firm.
Ms. Martinez earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Paralegal degree from Marist College.
Ellen McCarthy
Accounting ManagerEllen McCarthy oversees all of Quinn McCabe’s billing and accounting, which includes invoicing, receivables, payables, payroll, bank reconciliations and managing the firm’s accounts. She also assists with office administration, including supervising administrative staff and interacting with vendors and consultants.
A skilled comptroller, Ms. McCarthy brings over 30 years of experience in the field of billing and accounting for New York-based law firms.
Monica Wassell
Legal AssistantMonica Wassell is a legal assistant at Quinn McCabe, bringing over 30 years of experience in the legal field. Ms. Wassell assists the firm with paralegal, billing, and other administrative duties.
Soraya Menendez
Billing AssistantSoraya Menendez is a billing assistant at Quinn McCabe, bringing 10 years of experience in the legal field. She previously worked in immigration law and personal injury law.
Ms. Menendez’s academic background includes a double bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Queens College CUNY.
Sherily Toledo
Receptionist/Office AssistantSherily Toledo is the receptionist and office assistant at Quinn McCabe, bringing 30 years of extensive administrative expertise from various industries. She proactively handles a wide range of responsibilities and ensures a smooth functioning work environment. Ms. Toledo’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Social Work from SUNY Oneonta. She also interned at the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility.