Not Every Hurdle Needs a Lawyer, Here’s Why

Running a hospitality business in New York City means navigating an alphabet soup of regulations, applications, and agency approvals. It can feel overwhelming—and expensive. Many business owners instinctively reach for legal counsel at the first sign of red tape, but the truth is: you don't always need a lawyer.

There are absolutely moments when legal expertise is essential: landlord disputes, employee lawsuits, Article 78 proceedings, and nuisance abatements, to name a few. But when it comes to licensing and permitting—especially for new restaurants, bars, or lounges—the process isn't always a legal problem. It's a procedural one.

That's where I come in.

As someone who's been through this process personally and professionally, I help hospitality businesses cut through complexity with clarity. I work alongside attorneys when necessary, but often, what's really needed is someone who knows the system, the timelines, and the conversations that happen behind the forms.

So before you hire a high-cost legal team for basic permitting or liquor license navigation, let's talk. You may just need guidance.