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In addition to being a Partner with the Firm, Chris J. Coschignano served as Councilman in the Town of Oyster Bay. After more than 25 years in public service, Chris has decided to move on to a new chapter in his professional career. He will continue to be involved in community service and will continue with his full-fledged efforts with the Firm.
“All of us at the Firm congratulate Chris on his distinguished career in public service and elected office,” said Michael H. Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Partner. “Chris has been a role model in his service to the public and the legal profession. We are fortunate that our partner will continue his work with us, both as a lawyer and as a leader in our community.”
In this interview, Chris shares his experience in public office, his involvement in the community and the work he continues to perform with the Firm.
When did you decide to leave public office?
I was in a fourth term and a fifth term was not in my plans. Having a young family meant that I needed to spend more time with them while they are growing up. As much as I enjoyed serving the people of Oyster Bay, I came to realize that it was no longer possible for me to dedicate the time and effort that was required to do this job the way that I had done it, that it was my family that needed my full attention.
Over the past two years, I made it clear that I would not seek a fifth term in office. I wanted to give the residents of Oyster Bay the chance to select someone new to represent them. I sincerely wish to thank the residents for their support and giving me the opportunity to serve them.
What were your favorite personal highlights during your career in public service?
Perhaps my greatest satisfaction was improving the quality of life for our residents and their families. There has been no greater joy for me than to see the children of our township enjoying the beautiful parks and beaches that have been the hallmark of Oyster Bay.
As a Councilman, I was instrumental in forming the Syosset Downtown Revitalization Committee, which obtained a $1.6 million grant for the Downtown Syosset Streetscape project. I also created the Oyster Bay Hamlet Moratorium, which prevented communities in the town from being overdeveloped.
What does your job at the Firm entail?
As one of the Firm’s Equity Partners, I concentrate my practice in the areas of zoning and land use planning, real estate law and transactions, municipal and legislative law, economic development and industrial development agency law, litigation at the federal and state levels and matrimonial and family law. Most of the matters I handle are very complex when it comes to zoning and land use regulations.
Are you still involved in the community?
Yes. I am involved in many community and nonprofit organizations. I sit on the board of various organizations and I am very involved in my church. I coach PAL ice hockey and Oyster Bay baseball. I am also a member of my local Knights of Columbus and Sons of Italy organizations, as well as the Rotary Club, chamber of commerce and neighborhood and civic associations.
I am also very involved in the church. I serve as an usher at St. Edward Confessor Church and I help coordinate the church’s annual festival. I was proud to be honored at the school’s 15th Annual Golf & Tennis Classic three years ago for my service to the church.
The Firm has always emphasized giving back to the community. How have you been involved as a member of the Firm?
Our Firm is a participant and a sponsor of The Marcum Workplace Challenge. Our fellow attorneys and staff members take part in this 3.5-mile walk/run to raise money for the Long Island Children’s Museum, Long Island Cares — The Harry Chapin Food Bank and the Children’s Medical Fund of New York. These are just some of the charitable endeavors we have supported. It is very gratifying to note that the Firm was recently named the recipient of a Long Island Business News Corporate Citizenship award in the category of Leadership Excellence.
I also worked with the Firm in establishing the Chris J. Coschignano/Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano, PLLC Scholarship. This will go to a second-year law student at Touro Law Center who is interested in practicing in the area of land use and real estate law. This is my way of giving back to my alma mater. I had a great academic experience there. It helped me prepare for my career in public service and as a land use attorney.
Since I joined the Firm seven years ago, I have found working at this Firm to be a wonderful experience. It is great to see those who work here being involved in helping the community.
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