David J. Heymann
Managing Partner
Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone LLP

David Heymann’s approach to the law combines experience, personal style, intelligence, practicality and judgment. In his practice as a corporate lawyer, David primarily advises real estate developers, investors, REITs, and other real estate related companies on complex structuring and joint venture issues. Heymann serves as general counsel, trusted advisor and as a sounding board on major decisions and judgment calls for his clients.  As managing partner for Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP., since 2018, Heymann plays a similar role for the more than 50-year-old firm.   

Under Heymann’s leadership, the firm has expanded to more than 80 attorneys and added multiple practice areas including bankruptcy; construction; elder law; and mental health, guardianship and elder law litigation. The firm opened a Boca Raton, Fla., office in 2021 and has expanded its Manhattan presence to occupy the 18th and 19th floors at Heron Tower, 70 East 55th Street.  

Meltzer Lippe’s Women’s Initiative continues to gain traction. The group serves as a resource for career building strategies and people skills including networking, bringing in clients and navigating challenging situations with clients or other attorneys.  

Heymann is insistent about maintaining a collegial, family friendly, and respectful culture, whatever the internal and external challenges may be. He expects across the board adherence to a few basic principles: Treat everyone with respect and as an adult; do your work well and in a timely manner; allow people to be who they are.  

“The next generation of attorneys is critical to the firm’s wellbeing, so it is very important for me to remember how I wanted to be treated as a young attorney. A good leader looks to empower people, thereby creating new leaders. If you are constantly telling people how to do something, you stifle their creativeness. I want innovative thinkers. Good leaders create an environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves.”

My role is about more than making this firm successful during my tenure. Together with the other firm leaders, it is about making sure the next generation of high quality lawyers and leaders is created to ensure the firm’s continued success for many generations to come.”