MCCM News

We are pleased to announce that our Partner, Lucien A. Morin II, was named to The Daily Record's "Power 20 Real Estate Law" for 2022.  In announcing the list, The Daily Record noted that:

"The people on this list help clients — both individuals and companies — navigate complex transaction processes to help fulfill their personal dreams or organizational goals. Their job has been made even more difficult over the past two years. At the same time as the COVID-19 pandemic was changing the way the entire real estate transaction process worked, the real estate market was getting turned on its head. These attorneys continued to serve their clients admirably while navigating new ways of doing business thanks to restrictions that limited or halted face-to-face meetings."

Lou joined the firm more than 40 years ago.  Lou was asked about his extensive experience in Real Estate Law.

What do you enjoy most about practicing real estate law?

Buying or selling a home may be the first time a client needs the services of an attorney. It has been my pleasure over the years to help our clients navigate that process. To play a part when that first-time buyer realizes the dream of homeownership is rewarding. As real estate law encompasses more than buying and selling property, I have enjoyed learning various aspects of the practice and, in turn, sharing that knowledge with our clients. Through CLE programs, hopefully I have also provided my fellow practitioners with insights that will be helpful in their practice.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

Embracing the new world of “remote closings” and having the tools and procedures to assist in that process, while being protective of the client’s confidentiality and our vigilance to maintain cyber security. I recall the first commercial loan closing that I did during the early stages of the lockdown. While it took a bit longer, with the efforts of all counsel concerned, we were able to accomplish it without meeting face to face. More and more of our clients, having become accustomed to video or telephone meetings, now prefer these virtual meetings.

What do you predict will be the biggest changes in real estate law in the next 3-5 years?

The pandemic has shown us that, despite its challenges, real estate and all that it encompasses goes on. Remote closings and e-signing will undoubtedly become commonplace. Although real estate closings here are still primarily handled by attorneys, that could change depending on the view of the regulators. On the leasing front, I believe the consumer protections  that recently passed will continue. Zoning challenges will always be around, especially as the post-pandemic economy moves forward and the available inventory shrinks. Green construction is more than a fad and I anticipate that more developers will embrace that style to preserve our resources.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

I was a founding board member of the Fairport-Perinton Dollars for Scholars and continue as its legal advisor. DFS not only administers its own scholarships, but also serves as a facilitator to Fairport community members and organizations that sponsor their own scholarships.

I currently serve as Commander of the American Legion Brook-Shepard Post 765 in Fairport and support its mission.

I also volunteer for JustCause(f/k/a VLSP) and am an active participant serving as an attorney on the bankruptcy panel.

What is one personal goal you have for the next year?

Continuing to serve my clients and community to the best of my abilities and supporting my fellow attorneys in their continuing education in the areas in which I practice.

Lou is recognized as one of the preeminent attorneys in Western New York for real estate and bankruptcy matters.  A frequent guest lecturer for bar association and realtor groups, Lou has also served on committees which have revised and improved the standard forms used by realtors and attorneys for residential real estate transactions.  Lou also maintains an active bankruptcy and business workouts practice.

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About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.