New York’s Premier Attorneys & Specialists for Hospitality Related Legal Services

David Helbraun

David Helbraun is the Founding Partner and Chairman of the firm. Prior to founding the firm in 2005, David opened and owned Pyramid Coffee Company, a multi-unit coffee bar/cafe company based in Manhattan. He is a lifelong entrepreneur who has been running successful businesses in New York City for years.

David recently served as the Chair of the Hospitality Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association, an industry group comprised of over 40 of New York City’s top hospitality attorneys who regularly comment on the laws and regulations affecting the industry. He is also a board member of ROAR and has proudly served as a founding board member of Drive Change, a non-profit organization that trains formerly incarcerated young people in hospitality as a way to reintegrate them to the workforce. David is an avid Deadhead and jazz listener and also a hopeless Mets fan.  He is admitted to practice in New York.

Joseph Levey

Joseph is a Founding Partner of the firm and oversees all New York State Liquor Authority and other licensing matters. Joseph also leads the firm’s Cannabis Group and all cannabis legal and licensing matters at the firm.

Along with Cannabis, Joseph’s primary area of expertise is New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Law. He has extensive experience practicing before the New York State Liquor Authority with regard to various licensing and disciplinary matters.

Joseph regularly attends local Community Board meetings on behalf of the firm’s clients and has developed a stellar reputation as a well-prepared and knowledgeable advocate. He proudly serves on the Executive Board of the New York State Restaurant Association, the Board of The American Institute of Food and Wine and he is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey.

Hamutal Lieberman

Hamutal is the Chair of the Employment Practices, Litigation, and Trademark Groups. She brings a creative and strategic approach when evaluating claims brought on behalf of our clients or against our clients in order to achieve the outcome most in line with our clients’ objectives. Hamutal’s cross-disciplinary training and experience sets her apart from other litigators.

Hamutal is experienced in litigation involving commercial and business disputes, partnership and business divorce, real estate matters, employment disputes, and intellectual property matters. Hamutal is experienced in all pre-trial, trial, mediation, arbitration, and appellate proceedings across state, federal, and administrative forums.

Hamutal is a leading litigator for New York cannabis businesses, advocating for entrepreneurs with the nuanced and informed guidance she has offered to hospitality clients in her tenure at Helbraun Levey.

Hamutal holds a J.D. from Pace University School of Law where she graduated cum laude. She obtained a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Fluent in Hebrew, she maintains close ties with Israel and visits frequently. Outside of work, Hamutal loves trying out New York’s latest hot spots and is on a never-ending journey to discover New York City’s best cappuccino.

Daniel Lewkowicz

Daniel Lewkowicz is the Co-Chair of the Litigation Group. He takes a client-centered approach when evaluating claims to ensure that the client’s objectives are achieved at each stage of the litigation. Daniel works closely with each client to make sure they are well-informed throughout the legal process.

Prior to joining the firm, Daniel practiced commercial litigation at AmLaw 100 law firms, where he litigated complex commercial disputes, employment, real estate, and insurance matters. Daniel is an experienced litigator who has litigated in federal and state court through pre-trial, trial, mediation, arbitration, and appellate proceedings.

Daniel holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and has a B.A. in History from the University of Maryland. He is admitted to practice law in New York state and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Outside of work, Daniel loves cooking at home for his family and friends and exploring restaurants in his neighborhood in Queens to find inspiration for his own cooking. Daniel is a proud father, lifelong New Yorker, and avid Formula 1 fan.

Melissa Greenberg

Melissa is a senior associate attorney in the firm’s Employment Practices, Litigation, and Cannabis Groups. Her career path has been unique and dynamic, in that she brings her seasoned litigation and courtroom skill sets to her corporate negotiations and business deals, and vice versa. Melissa’s multilayered and integrative practices allow her to look through a diverse lens as she works to achieve advantageous results for her clients.

Melissa is experienced in litigation and corporate matters involving commercial and business disputes, business formation, business restructuring, and financing. She focuses much of her work on the cannabis and wellness-related industries. Melissa is experienced in all pre-trial, trial, mediation, arbitration, and appellate proceedings across state, federal, and administrative forums.

Melissa holds a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, and obtained a B.A. in English (minoring in Political Science and Spanish) from the University of Rochester.

In addition to her legal practice, Melissa’s yoga practice is of the utmost importance to her. She teaches in-studio classes in her home borough of Brooklyn. Melissa has found a natural and organic means of forging a connection between her legal and yoga practices. Her passion and dedication to interconnecting those two different, yet similar, worlds is what continues to propel her practices forward.

Tyler H. Morris

Tyler is an associate attorney in the firm’s Litigation and Employment Practices Groups. He focuses his practice on litigation and employment matters related to breach of contract, wrongful termination, discrimination and a variety of other commercial disputes. Tyler has represented a wide range of clients from large companies and small business owners to global investment banks and financial services executives. Tyler has also represented clients in alternative dispute resolution forums such as AAA, JAMS and FINRA. Prior to joining the firm, Tyler was an associate at a franchise law firm that represents both franchisors and franchisees.

Tyler holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and has a B.A. in Leadership Studies and English from the University of Richmond. While in law school, Tyler served as an Executive Notes & Comments Editor of the Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Commercial, and Financial Law and the Co-President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution competition team.

Outside of the firm, Tyler enjoys watching the Los Angeles Dodgers, listening to his record collection and cooking for his family.

Tyler is admitted to practice in New York state and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.

Cynthia Park

Cynthia is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Litigation and Employment Practices Groups. She is an experienced litigator in state and federal court and translates that experience into practical advice. Cynthia has handled cases involving breach of contract, trade secret theft and misappropriation, financial fraud, discrimination, and business tort claims. She is committed to collaborating with clients to problem solve in an effort to reduce the expense and burden of avoidable litigation while aggressively litigating when necessary.

Prior to joining the firm, Cynthia practiced complex commercial litigation at an international law firm.

Cynthia holds a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and received her B.A. from New York University, where she graduated with honors.

She is admitted to the Bars in the states of New York and New Jersey and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Outside of work, Cynthia spends her time trying new restaurants and bars, going to the gym, and watching old movies. She lives in Lincoln Center with her adorable (but anxious) dog Mochi.

Carli Miller

Carli is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Employment Practices, Litigation, and Trademark Groups. She works with clients on a variety of matters, including trademark registration, ADA and FLSA claims, and commercial disputes, among others.

Prior to practicing law, Carli worked in business development for a prominent global hospitality group. There, she gained valuable insights into the hospitality industry, which now inform her holistic approach to serving clients at Helbraun Levey.

Carli holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School and has a B.A. in Communication from the University of Southern California. She is admitted to practice law in New York.

Outside of work, Carli loves listening to music and going to concerts. She also loves to cook – especially pasta from scratch.

Brianne Murphy

Brianne is of Counsel to Helbraun Levey. She brings nearly two decades of experience using a high level of legal acumen and sound business analysis to advise clients on employment and labor matters. Brianne works collaboratively with clients to address the lifecycle of employment matters including: assessing and mitigating litigation risks; negotiating and drafting severance agreements: reviewing and drafting employment handbooks; hosting independent investigations; serving as an EEO monitor; hiring, training and providing guidance on federal, state and local regulations and compliance. She has successfully negotiated wage and hour class actions, settlements for alleged sexual harassment, whistleblowing, retaliation, age discrimination and ADA matters.

In 2010, Brianne founded the Murphy Group CNY, PLLC, a full-service legal and public relations firm representing small businesses, largely in the restaurant and hospitality industries. She has successfully represented, advocated on behalf of and defended clients in State and Federal agencies.

Brianne received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. Bar admissions include the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, the New York State Bar and the Washington D.C. Bar.

Christopher Miskolczi

Chris is a senior associate attorney in the firm’s Real Estate Group. He advises clients on a wide range of real estate and transactional matters, including commercial leases, asset purchase and sale agreements, restructuring deals and ancillary real estate transactions.

Prior to joining the firm, Chris practiced in the Real Estate Group of a leading national law firm, where he advised landlords and tenants in connection with retail and office leasing matters nationwide. Chris received a Master of Science in Business Enterprise from Fordham University and a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Chris is admitted to practice law in New York.

Jared Wiesel

Jared is an associate attorney in the firm’s Real Estate Group. He works with clients on a variety of real estate and transactional matters, with a particular focus on commercial leasing.

Prior to joining the firm, Jared practiced in the commercial litigation department of a mid-sized law firm, where he represented commercial landlords, tenants, and not for profit entities in summary proceedings and negotiations of leases and licenses.

Jared earned his J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. in Political Science from Queens College. Jared is admitted to practice law in New York. Outside of work, Jared enjoys (sometimes) cheering on his beloved New York Mets, and exploring all of the great restaurants and experiences that New York City has to offer.

Ralphsun Nayem

Ralphsun is an associate attorney in the firm’s Real Estate Group, where he works on a variety of real estate deals including commercial leases. Prior to joining the firm, Ralphsun worked at the Real Estate department for a large law firm, where he represented nationally renown landlords and tenants in various commercial leasing matters.

Ralphsun received his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.A. in Philosophy from Binghamton University. He is admitted to practice law in New York. Ralphsun is an avid gamer and in his spare time competes in tournaments for arcade games. He celebrates his victories or tries to forget his defeats by enjoying all of the spicy cuisine the city has to offer.

Jared Presberg

Andrew Fine

Andrew is the Chair of the firm’s Corporate Group. He is an experienced deal-maker for clients ranging from first-time entrepreneurs to global hospitality groups, counseling clients on matters including corporate formation and structuring, private placement of capital, equity transfers and sweat equity arrangements, food and beverage management agreements, vendor agreements, among others. He has developed a reputation for being a savvy negotiator, helping clients achieve the results they deserve.

Andrew earned his B.A. in Law & Policy and Philosophy from Dickinson College and received his J.D. with honors from Brooklyn Law School. While in law school, Andrew served as Executive Notes & Comments Editor of the Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Commercial, and Financial Law, and competed as a national team member of the Moot Court Honor Society’s Trial Division.

Outside the firm, Andrew is an avid distance runner, and enjoys working up an appetite before enjoying NYC’s rich culinary scene.

Andrew is admitted to practice law in New York.

Winfield Glascock

Winfield is a senior associate attorney in the firm’s Corporate Group. He counsels clients on a broad range of transactional matters, including entity formations, financing and corporate structuring transactions, negotiations and operational agreements.

Winfield received his J.D. from the University of Sydney and B.A. in History and International Comparative Politics from George Mason University. Prior to joining the firm, Winfield was Of-Counsel at a full-service boutique law firm, where he represented start-up, small and medium sized companies in technology, real estate, shipping and commercial operations. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New South Wales, Australia. During his free time, Winfield enjoys traveling the world and learning everything he can about societies and cultures, while also sampling haute cuisine and other local specialties.

Meron Werkneh

Meron is a senior associate attorney in the firm’s Corporate Group. She counsels clients on general transactional matters, covering everything from long-term strategic planning to day-to-day issues. Her prior experience representing top venture capital firms and emerging growth companies gives her a deep understanding and appreciation of her clients’ unique needs.

Outside of work, Meron likes kickboxing, community engagement and cult documentaries. She also enjoys writing and has authored several pieces on law, culture and society, including Retaking Mecca: Healing Harlem through Restorative Just Compensation, which is published in the Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems, and New Wineskins for New Wine: Reforming an Anachronistic Prison System as a Means to Civilization.

Meron received her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her B.A. from Duke University. She is admitted to practice in New York and the District of Columbia.

Christopher Cooksey

Chris is a senior associate attorney in the firm’s Corporate Group. His over 8 years of experience as a transactional attorney who works on matters in diverse areas (such as mergers and acquisitions; debt and equity capital raises; company creation and structuring; fund formations; corporate finance; as well as managing and licensing IP portfolios) provides him with an in-depth understanding of the legal and corporate issues facing the modern business. In addition, his extensive training–covering both continental Europe and the United States–combined with practical, foreign-language capabilities ensures that he will provide a truly international perspective.

Chris holds a J.D. from NYU School of Law and obtained a B.S. in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine.

Outside of work, he loves testing new cocktails, cooking recipes at home, supporting his DJ friends, creating and viewing art, spotting new fashion trends and exploring new cultures through travel around the world (3 continents and counting!).

Jeffrey Stein

Jeffrey Stein is Of Counsel to the firm. He has more than 20 years of experience advising and consulting public and private companies and investors on general corporate operations, corporate finance matters, and regulatory matters affecting their business operations and regulatory concerns. He has worked with companies in all industries and all phases of development, including start-up companies located in the United States and internationally. Jeff has worked with private equity funds, investment banks, financial institutions and individual investors with structuring and preparation of suitable documentation for consummating various forms of investments.

Jeff advises corporations and their officers and directors about governance issues, regulatory compliance and similar matters, including current applications and interpretations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. He has expertise in all aspects of disclosure under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and he also counsels and prepares filings for clients for corporate proxy solicitations. Given his vast experience, Jeff often acts as general counsel to companies, assisting in every aspect of client’s businesses. Jeff handles all facets of the public listing and reporting for these clients to enable the companies to have confidence that everything will be accomplished not only in a professional manner but as expeditious as possible.

Jeff is admitted to practice in New York.

Alexandra Schneider

Alexandra is the Legal Assistant for the Corporate and Real Estate Groups after starting with the firm as the Receptionist in 2021 and then providing administrative support to the Licensing Group in the Licensing & Communications Assistant role. In her current role, Alexandra supports the Corporate and Real Estate Groups by elevating our client relationships and internal communications to ensure we are providing the best possible service for our clients. When she is not organizing and coordinating, you can find her spending time with friends and family, hanging with her cats, or trying out a new cookie recipe.

Harold L. Kestenbaum

Harold L. Kestenbaum is a franchise attorney who has been focused on franchise law and other matters relating to franchising since 1977. He has served as a franchise attorney to numerous regional, national, and international franchise companies across multiple industries, and he joined Spadea Lignana in 2019. Harold is a member of the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Section, the Antitrust Section’s Forum Committee on Franchising, and the Subcommittee on Franchising of the American Bar Association’s Corporation Banking and Business Law Section. He is a founding member and past Chairman of the New York State Bar Association’s Franchise, Distribution and Licensing Law Section, and he currently serves as Chairman for its Education and Seminar Subcommittee and was a member of the International Franchise Association’s Supplier Forum Advisory Board. He has won numerous awards, including being named among the top 100 franchise lawyers in North America by Franchise Times and being named one of the three best franchise lawyers in the New York metro area by New York Magazine. He was a board member of Sbarro for 22 years, he wrote a book on how to franchise your business called, “So You Want to Franchise Your Business” and he was the founder and CEO of a publicly traded franchise consulting company.

Harold is passionate about working with entrepreneurs and representing companies that want to expand their business model via franchising. Outside of franchising, he spends much of his time with his five grandsons, which gives him the proper perspective on what life is all about.

Teepoo Riaz

Teepoo Riaz is Of Counsel to Helbraun Levey. He leads the Consumer Packaged Goods practice, advises on high-value deals and issues, and serves as outside general counsel to companies who need an experienced, trusted, and pragmatic partner to assist them on everything from planning for the future in turbulent times to daily business operations.

Combining extensive in-house, AmLaw 100 law firm, and hands-on industry experience, Teepoo has been at the intersection of law, business, and lifestyle for more than 20 years. He is the former general counsel and corporate secretary of FreshDirect, a leading e-commerce grocer whose sale he led to Netherlands based multinational grocer, Ahold Delhaize. He is a collaborative partner to all clients, bringing his skills in strategic decision making, fearless advocacy on evolving issues, and excellence in law and business to achieve clients’ goals while minimizing risk.

Teepoo partners with companies to identify opportunities, preserve options, and protect agility while anticipating business, reputational, ethical, safety, security, regulatory, and legal risk. He has extensive experience across all areas of a managing and running business: board of directors and executive advising, corporate governance, equity and debt financings, policy and governmental relations, compliance (including food safety, people safety, and licensing), commercial contracts, consumer-facing interactions (including both e-commerce and retail), purchases and sales of businesses, intellectual property, complex litigation management (including class actions), technology, and real estate.

In addition to being a lawyer and business partner, Teepoo is a restaurateur, chef, and active community member. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, he externed at Eleven Madison Park, a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Manhattan. He has a strong entrepreneurial bent who opened and ran an upstate New York restaurant and is now a partner in a restaurant in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut slated to open Summer 2023. He has extensive local board experience including having served as board treasurer of his kid’s school. He is an avid cook, a zealous alternative music fan, voracious consumer of news and politics, and loves dinosaurs. He resides in Brooklyn and Columbia County, NY with his wife and children.

Heather Kirk

Heather is the Director of Licensing at Helbraun Levey. Heather began her career at the firm as the receptionist and is now the integral leader of the Licensing Group. Heather is responsible for new liquor license applications, helping client’s vision become a reality.

Heather works with clients throughout every step of the liquor licensing process; from liaising with community boards, block associations and other residential organizations, to preparing applications for New York City Community Boards and the New York State Liquor Authority.

Heather spent over 6 years working in the hospitality industry, bartending and serving at some of the finest restaurants and bars in Charlotte, before relocating to New York City. She has a passion for both the culinary and pastry arts, and when she is not out exploring the city’s amazing food scene, she is at home creating delicious dishes of her own. Heather also enjoys traveling and being outdoors.

Matthew Colton

Matt is an associate attorney in the firm’s Licensing Group. He assists clients throughout the licensing process, from helping to file new applications, to advocating on their behalf at Community Board and State Liquor Authority meetings.

Prior to joining the firm, Matt worked in the Corporate Group at a major real estate and technology company, where he advised clients on a wide range of issues including expansion, strategic partnerships, and marketing initiatives. Matt received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and holds a B.S. in Finance from Tulane University in New Orleans. He is admitted to practice law in New York.

The son of Irish immigrants, Matt grew up on Long Island where his family was heavily involved in the hospitality and liquor industries. Now a long-time resident of Brooklyn, he makes it a point to stay as informed as possible on the industry that he loves. Matt always feels at home around great food, great drinks, and great music, which naturally means he makes a trip back to New Orleans any chance he gets.

Jake Taylor-Laughlin

Jake joined Helbraun Levey in 2018 as part of the firm’s Licensing Group. Working closely with the Director of the Licensing Group, Jake is responsible for new liquor license applications, as well as corporate change and alteration applications. He works with clients throughout every step of the liquor licensing process from liaising with community boards, block associations and other residential organizations, to preparing applications for New York City Community Boards and the New York State Liquor Authority. Jake also works closely with the Permitting Unit at the New York State Liquor Authority, helping to secure permits for events big and small throughout New York.

Jake moved to the city as a teenager and has been practicing yoga and Pilates for over 10 years. He also enjoys traveling, skiing, reading and eating all of the vegan desserts he can find. He finds a lot. Jake graduated with honors from conservatory in 2011, and again, with a secondary degree in Fine Art, in 2013.

Adrianna Golovatii

Adrianna joined the firm in 2022 as part of the Licensing team, transitioning after many years in the hospitality industry from making all your favorite drinks to helping you obtain your liquor license. Adrianna graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology with honors in Art History and Museum Professions, and she spends her free time painting, listening to music and exploring her favorite NYC museums.

Matthew Borowiec

Matt joined the firm in 2024 as part of the Licensing team. Previously, he worked in the hospitality industry managing locations for a high-end men’s grooming brand based here in his hometown of NYC. Prior to that, he spent four years in the banking industry providing audit assurance to the bank’s capital stress testing processes. Matt graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a BA in Global Studies. He spends his time outside of the firm going to concerts with friends, discovering new bars and restaurants, and working on his newly acquired tennis skills.

Cara Onofrietti

Cara joined the firm as the Licensing & Communications Assistant in 2023. Prior to working at Helbraun Levey, Cara was a teaching artist at a non-profit arts empowerment program on Staten Island, where she grew up. Cara graduated with an AFA in Film & TV from NYCDA. Additionally, she holds a BA in Psychology from CUNY Brooklyn College.

At Helbraun Levey, Cara provides administrative support to the Licensing Group and facilitates client meetings and intake calls. When she is not organizing and acting as a sounding board, you can catch Cara jamming out with her band in the vibrant neighborhood of Bushwick.

Alex Randrup

Alex joined the firm at the beginning of 2020 as the Receptionist before spending three years as the firm’s first Client Relations Manager. Now as the Director of Marketing & Special Projects, Alex works with the firm’s Managing Partner on a variety of projects and initiatives. Alex’s focus on centering the client through dynamic collaboration aligns beautifully with Helbraun Levey’s hospitality-centered mission, and she works with the rest of the firm to ensure our standards of excellence are met and exceeded every day.

Outside of the firm, Alex enjoys spending time with their rescue pup in the beautiful parks of Inwood and cooking unnecessarily complicated dishes.

Chris Echols

Chris serves as the Firm’s Chief Financial Officer. He has served in the roles of CFO, COO, and CEO of financial services firms for over 20 years, including two national AmLaw 200 firms. Chris’s focus is on enhancing the experience of all HL clients through efficient and strategic services, both internally and externally.

Chris received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and is an active Certified Public Accountant. He also possesses a master’s degree in law firm management from George Washington University and has a green belt in Legal Lean Six Sigma. Chris and his wife reside in Suwanee, have two boys, and in his free time he is extremely active playing tennis, running, and working out.

Sally Mahadeo

Sally Mahadeo is the Billing Supervisor, having joined the Helbraun Levey team in March 2023. Sally has had over 10 years of experience in the legal industry, where she used her expertise in billing and provided administrative support. Sally has a BS in Business Management from CUNY School for Professional Studies.

When she is not working diligently to provide billing support for our clients and attorneys, Sally prioritizes spending time with family and friends, watching a good movie, and traveling to new and exciting destinations, crossing them off her bucket list one continent at a time.

Tyler Matthews

Tyler Matthews, a passionate Notre Dame football enthusiast hailing from South Bend, Indiana, serves as the firm’s Office Manager. Tyler brings a wealth of hospitality experience to the role with a background in bartending, bar management, and management of a popular events venue in Brooklyn. Tyler also served in the United States Air Force on active duty for six years, providing support in global logistics to Air Force missions around the world. Tyler’s core philosophy revolves around the belief that everyone wants to be seen and heard; this belief drives him to champion effective communication, both in his professional and personal life. Tyler holds a degree in film production and television radio from Brooklyn College, enjoys stand-up comedy, and is an avid listener of podcasts.

Wrenn Odim

Wrenn joined the firm in early 2024 as the Client Relations Manager, tasked with ensuring an efficient yet personable experience for each and every one of our clients.

After graduating in 2020 from Swarthmore College, Wrenn began working as a paralegal at Sullivan and Cromwell. After almost two years of work in corporate law and legal aid Wrenn decided to follow her life-long passion and transitioned into a professional culinary career working at Eleven Madison Park and opening Little Bits Bakery, a micro-bakery Wrenn continues to own and operates out of her childhood home. Outside of business hours, Wrenn can be found in the kitchen, planning trips, or cozying up with a warm beverage and a puzzle.