George Garcia's real estate practice at Connell Foley, and his connection to Jersey City, go back years. The experience and connection were evident in 2018, particularly his work creating a new district in the city, including obtaining approvals for several residential developments in that district, as well as public infrastructure and other features. A colleague said, “The process and approvals for the overall development of this new neighborhood required an intimate understanding of land use and zoning laws, and although met with significant challenges along the way, was guided by George's keen insight of the market and redevelopment laws.” Garcia is a partner in Connell Foley's Jersey City office.

What were some of your most satisfying successes of 2018, and why?

2018 was a busy year. One of the highlights, of course, was being able to successfully work with my team at Connell Foley and the City of Jersey City to create a new zoning district within the Jersey Avenue Park Redevelopment Plan. The new district provides for a new public use facility for the City of Jersey City and a new park. Both the city and the client benefited from the new district, which incentivized the public improvements by providing additional density and heights in the new district.

What recent economic factors have affected your practice area?

The economy has been steady over the last 12 months. I like to keep an eye out for shifts in interest rates, because it creates leveraging and exit hurdles for certain clients in the real estate space. The roll-out of the Opportunity Zone regulations will also have a positive impact on the real estate market and economy in general. The regulations allow for the tax deferred investment of capital gains in real property and business property located within certain distressed areas throughout the nation. I believe this will have a beneficial impact in helping to redevelop and stabilize some of these distressed areas.

Amid a changing market for legal services, what does it take to become a trusted transactional lawyer in New Jersey?

Really this comes down to having an exceptional team of people working with you. At Connell Foley, our attorneys are trained to provide exceptional legal services while considering the economic impacts on our clients. Delivering efficient and positive legal results are part of the philosophy we hold ourselves to here at Connell Foley. Our clients have access to our attorneys with backgrounds in several different areas of the law.

A prospective client in crisis calls and asks why your team should be retained. What is your answer?

Our team is always ready to analyze and provide immediate legal strategies to our current and prospective clients. Connell Foley's diversity in many disciplines of the law allows us to provide our clients with a wide range of services from transactional work to commercial litigation to estate planning.

Dealmakers are extraordinarily busy people. What does the firm do to ensure that they remain engaged with pro bono work, their communities and their families?

Connell Foley encourages its team to stay active in pro bono work by providing workshops and outreach programs throughout the State of New Jersey. I have been involved with a number of nonprofit boards and was the founding board member for the Global Charter School in Jersey City. The firm also is sensitive and accommodating when it comes to community and family matters. It is important to balance time between family and work. Connell Foley recognizes the importance of these two facets of life and allows flexibility to make sure both areas are attended to accordingly. I believe having a balanced work and home life makes for a more productive and confident team.