Creative.  Adaptive.  Driven.

Damien Bernache started his legal career at the Nassau/Suffolk Law Services and the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) representing low income New Yorkers in housing court and assisting in navigating and accessing housing benefits.  

In 2008, Damien transitioned to representing landlords and tenants, which provided landlords with insight into the various benefit programs and assisted them in making well informed decisions.  Damien’s experience grew to include daily appearances in Housing Court and Supreme Court, as well as drafting appeals to the Appellate Terms and Appellate Divisions.  Damien also expanded his administrative hearing experience to include regular appearances at HPD and NYCHA.  

In 2016, Damien joined Belkin Burden Goldman LLP, where he represented some of New York City’s largest property owners, developers and management companies in complex proceedings and negotiations involving city and state agencies, tribunals and tenants.  In 2020, Damien was promoted to partner and continued to take his prior experience to a macro level in implementing and directing multi-building diligence and portfolio-wide policy programs, touching on human rights and affordable housing, including assisting property developers in understanding and anticipating potential challenges with implementing affordable housing.   

Damien’s experience includes assisting purchasers and sellers of individual buildings and portfolios in ascertaining the actual status of individual units in rent regulated buildings to properly value the transaction, and advising on methods to address adverse findings.  Damien’s diligence also assesses compliance with Regulatory Agreements with HPD, HFA, DHCR and HUD.    

Damien also represents clients in City and State Human Rights agencies in response to discrimination complaints, including related appeals to the Supreme Court and Appellate Division.  More importantly though, Damien can assist property owners, managers and developers to avoid such costly complaints in the first place.  

Damien also litigates extensively at the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal in proactive litigation involving substantial rehabilitation, as well as in response to complaints filed by tenants in relation to rent overcharge, succession, allegations of decreased services and harassment.  

Damien was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2018.  Damien is also an avid runner, kayaker and outdoorsman.  

Education:
BA, George Washington University, 2001
JD, University of the District of Columbia, 2005, cum laude

Bar Admission:
New York