How I Made Partner: Drew Pakett of Braverman Greenspun on Embracing Challenges and Building a Career in Real Estate Law
August 4, 2025, 9:40 PM IST – Drew Pakett, recently promoted to partner at Braverman Greenspun P.C., a leading New York law firm specializing in cooperative and condominium law, shared his journey to partnership and key advice for aspiring attorneys: “Don’t be afraid to take on different or challenging matters.” In an exclusive interview, Pakett, who became the firm’s first “homegrown” partner after joining in 2013, reflected on the strategies that propelled his career, offering insights for young lawyers aiming to advance in the competitive legal landscape.
From Clerkship to Partnership
Pakett joined Braverman Greenspun in 2013 after a two-year clerkship with the Hon. Davis B. Katz in the Superior Court of New Jersey, an experience that honed his legal acumen and prepared him for private practice. At the firm, his practice has focused on providing general counsel and litigation services to condominium and cooperative boards, unit owners, and shareholders, as well as handling insurance defense and professional liability matters. His recent promotion to partner, effective January 1, 2025, alongside Tracy Peterson’s elevation to principal, marks a milestone for the firm, which celebrated Pakett as the first attorney to spend his entire private practice career at Braverman Greenspun before reaching this level.
Reflecting on his path, Pakett emphasized the importance of embracing diverse and complex cases. “Early in my career, I realized that taking on challenging matters, whether it was a nuanced co-op dispute or a high-stakes litigation case, allowed me to grow as a lawyer and build trust with clients,” he said. One notable achievement was securing a favorable ruling from the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, in a dispute over cold-water consumption between an Upper East Side co-op and its commercial tenant, showcasing his ability to navigate intricate legal issues.
Key Strategies for Success
Pakett’s rise to partnership offers valuable lessons for associates aiming for similar heights, particularly in specialized fields like real estate law. Here are his core pieces of advice:
1. Tackle Challenging Matters
“Don’t be afraid to take on different or challenging matters,” Pakett advised. He credits his willingness to dive into complex cases—such as disputes over corporate governance, proprietary lease terminations, or construction defects—as pivotal to his development. These cases, while demanding, allowed him to demonstrate versatility and build expertise, earning the confidence of both clients and firm leadership.
2. Prioritize Client Interests
Pakett echoed the firm’s client-first ethos, a value emphasized by principal Scott Greenspun, who praised Pakett and Peterson for “putting their clients’ interests first in everything they do.” For Pakett, this meant going beyond legal technicalities to understand clients’ practical needs, whether advising a co-op board on governance or representing unit owners in litigation. “Clients trust you when they see you’re fully invested in their success,” he noted.
3. Leverage Mentorship and Hands-On Experience
At a smaller firm like Braverman Greenspun, with 25 lawyers, associates gain significant hands-on experience compared to larger firms. Pakett benefited from direct mentorship by firm leaders like Robert Braverman, who emphasized creating a culture where associates can become “real lawyers” with client-facing responsibilities early on. “The firm gave me opportunities to work directly with clients and handle cases end-to-end, which built my confidence and skills,” Pakett said.
4. Commit to Long-Term Growth
Pakett’s journey reflects Braverman Greenspun’s philosophy of fostering long-term talent. As managing partner Robert Braverman told Above the Law, the firm seeks associates who aim to spend their careers there, with nearly half of its partners starting as associates. Pakett embraced this vision, staying with the firm for over a decade and building expertise in cooperative and condominium law, a niche where the firm represents nearly 300 clients in the New York metro area.
5. Stay Resilient and Adaptable
Navigating the complexities of real estate law required resilience, especially in high-pressure litigation or disputes involving emotional issues like shareholder conflicts. Pakett advised young lawyers to “stay adaptable and keep learning, even when cases get tough.” His ability to pivot between general counsel, litigation, and insurance defense underscores the value of versatility in a specialized practice.
The Firm’s Culture and Future
Braverman Greenspun, founded in 1968, has built a reputation as a leader in cooperative and condominium law, representing clients in corporate governance, real estate transactions, and litigation. The firm’s recent acquisition of Zingman & Associates PLLC in January 2025 expanded its expertise in landlord-tenant matters, signaling growth. Pakett’s promotion aligns with this trajectory, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent internally. “Drew is our first homegrown partner, a testament to our focus on developing attorneys who can lead,” said principal Scott Greenspun.
For Pakett, the partnership is both a milestone and a new challenge. “Becoming a partner doesn’t mean you’ve arrived—it means you’re ready to take on more responsibility and help shape the firm’s future,” he said. He encourages associates to seek out mentors, embrace tough cases, and build relationships with clients to pave their own paths to partnership.
Advice for Gen Z and Young Attorneys
With Gen Z entering the legal workforce, Pakett emphasized aligning with their values of purpose and growth. “This generation wants meaningful work and opportunities to make an impact,” he noted. “Real estate law, especially for co-ops and condos, is about protecting people’s homes and communities—it’s impactful and rewarding.” He advised young lawyers to leverage technology, like AI-driven legal research tools, to stay efficient and competitive, while also seeking firms that offer mentorship and autonomy.
Conclusion
Drew Pakett’s journey to partner at Braverman Greenspun highlights the power of embracing challenges, prioritizing clients, and thriving in a supportive firm culture. His advice—don’t shy away from difficult matters, seek hands-on experience, and commit to long-term growth—offers a roadmap for aspiring attorneys. As Braverman Greenspun continues to expand its influence in New York’s real estate legal landscape, Pakett’s story underscores the value of perseverance and adaptability in reaching the pinnacle of a legal career.
For more information on Braverman Greenspun’s practice or career opportunities, visit www.braverlaw.net.