A significant focus of Mr. Lavaia’s practice is representing clients in the hospitality and food and beverage industries, including hotels, restaurants, and related businesses throughout New York City and beyond. He advises clients on a wide range of legal and business matters, including real estate transactions, commercial leasing, corporate structuring, management and operating agreements, licensing, and regulatory issues. His multidisciplinary approach enables him to serve as a trusted legal advisor, helping clients navigate complex transactions, address operational challenges, and pursue their business objectives.

Mr. Lavaia is particularly valued for his ability to approach complex legal matters from both a business and legal perspective, delivering practical, results-oriented counsel that reflects the operational and commercial realities facing his clients. His broad experience enables him to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop effective strategies tailored to each client’s business objectives.

As Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Law Group, Mr. Lavaia counsels clients on the protection, commercialization, and licensing of intellectual property, with particular experience in trademarks, copyrights, media, technology, and entertainment. He represents clients in connection with intellectual property matters and licensing arrangements involving film, television, music, fashion, and other creative and commercial ventures.

Mr. Lavaia brings valuable litigation and courtroom experience to his transactional and advisory practice. He has prosecuted and defended actions in state and federal courts involving intellectual property, breach of contract, commercial transactions, real estate, corporate disputes, and invasion of privacy. This experience provides him with a practical understanding of potential disputes and litigation risks, allowing him to structure transactions and advise clients with an emphasis on protecting their interests and avoiding costly conflicts.

Before entering the legal profession, Mr. Lavaia worked in the entertainment industry as an independent film producer and was involved in lighting, scenic, and staging production for Broadway theater and television. This firsthand industry experience provides him with a distinctive perspective when representing clients in entertainment, media, and other creative industries.

Mr. Lavaia has also been actively involved in New York City politics and local government, gaining firsthand experience with the political process, public policy, and the intersection of government and business. This experience provides him with an additional perspective on the regulatory and governmental considerations that can affect his clients’ business interests.

AFFILIATIONS

• New York State Bar Association
• Columbian Lawyers Association