“(Adam Leitman Bailey) is one of the most impressive individuals I’ve ever met, and I had lawsuits in Europe, I’m European, I had lawsuits in Paris and in Vienna and out here in the Hamptons, but Adam is extraordinary in every way. Honestly, I don’t think he has any weaknesses, you know, I think that man is made to do what he’s supposed to do, and he’s just set apart… there’s always some people in some fields, in sports, whatever it is, that are extraordinary, and Adam, if you were a golfer, you would be Tiger Woods.”
My name is Marius Fortunelli, and I’m a real estate developer. I’ve developed properties in New York, but now I primarily focus on Florida, specifically in Palm Beach County, as the market there is strong, with many New Yorkers relocating to the area.
I was the president of a building at 3 East 78th Street. I purchased my apartment when the property transitioned from a rental to a condominium in the late 1980s. I’ve always loved this building—it’s truly one of the most magnificent brownstones, constructed from limestone. The architect, C.P.H. Gilbert, is very famous and has designed entire blocks of notable buildings. This building is 30 to 35 feet wide and features stunning gargoyles. It’s an amazing structure with a rich history.
Next door to us is NYU. When the sponsor converted the building from rentals to condominiums, they included language in the agreement that essentially gave NYU unrestricted access to the building. This included the right to use the basement and first floor, along with many other privileges. Initially, we felt hopeless after consulting with several law firms. They all said the language in the agreement was ironclad and gave NYU complete rights.
However, through a friend, I was introduced to Adam Leitman Bailey. My friend mentioned that Adam’s firm might be able to help, even though the case seemed hopeless. In every field, there are one or two individuals who are truly brilliant. Adam is one of those people. He doesn’t take the conventional approach; instead, he thinks outside the box and approaches problems differently.
When we reviewed the agreement together, it was clear that the text gave NYU all the rights, with no apparent loopholes. Adam, however, proposed a unique argument. He focused on the fact that our building is a landmark. He explained that an original landmark is only original if it remains unchanged. He compared this to a classic car at an auction—a car that has had parts replaced is no longer considered original. Adam used this analogy in court and before the Landmarks Preservation Commission to argue that altering our building, such as by breaking into the basement wall to create a second entrance for NYU, would destroy its landmark status.
Adam’s approach emphasized that such modifications would strip the building of its originality and historical significance. This argument resonated with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and they ruled in our favor, preventing NYU from making any structural changes. The basement, which is approximately 4,000 square feet, and parts of the first floor were preserved, and NYU was prohibited from creating a direct entrance through the side of the building.
Adam is extraordinary. I’ve had legal battles in Europe—in Paris, Vienna, and the Hamptons—and I can confidently say that Adam is unlike any other lawyer I’ve worked with. He is relentless, creative, and brilliant. He approaches cases with tenacity and refuses to give up, no matter how difficult they seem. He works tirelessly, thinking through every angle to find a solution. His ability to think outside the box and deliver results is unmatched.
If Adam were a golfer, he would be Tiger Woods. He’s at the top of his field. His dedication, intelligence, and strategic thinking set him apart. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again for any challenging case. He’s the type of person you want on your side because he always finds a way to win.