In this episode of Herrick Does That, Herrick partner and chair of the Real Estate Hospitality practice, Yariv Ben-Ari, sits down with Evan Weiss of LW Hospitality Advisors and Jonathan Falik of JF Capital Advisors, to discuss key takeaways from the January 2026 Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS). They explore the overall mood of the industry, geographical insights, market segments, labor costs, union challenges and the impact of technology and AI on hospitality. The conversation also touches on future trends and what topics should be addressed in upcoming conferences. 

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

Dan Etna, co-chair of Herrick's Sports Law Group, had a conversation with Neil Montgomery, Founder and Managing Partner at Montgomery, a Brazilian law firm headquartered in Sao Paulo. Neil has spent 20 years of his practice dedicated to the gambling industry.

Dan and Neil discuss the landscape of sports betting in the United States and Brazil, covering the rise of sports gambling in both jurisdictions, the increase in the types of bets being made, the growth of sports betting apps, and the use of ring-fencing geolocation technology. They also discuss illegal gambling, tax implications, higher stakes wagering, Brazil's lottery-based system for sports gambling and the rise of prediction markets.

Dan and Neil note that while the gambling landscape is fairly settled in the United States, the sports gambling industry in Brazil remains dynamic and in constant flux. Listen here to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two markets and what Neil and Dan expect to see in the future. 

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

 In this episode of Herrick Does That, Yariv Ben-Ari, co-chair of Herrick’s Real Estate Hospitality Practice discusses the complexities of hotel development in New York City with Mitch Korbey, chair of Land Use & Zoning at Herrick, and Eldad Gothelf, Senior Vice President, Real Estate at Kasirer. They explore the regulatory changes, including the process for special permits, the importance of community engagement and the impact of local politics on development. This in-depth conversation also touches on the liquor license process, tax abatement programs, and the future of hospitality in NYC, emphasizing the need for collaboration and strategic planning to navigate the evolving landscape of urban development. 

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

 Women’s sports are experiencing explosive growth with record-breaking viewership, surging sponsorships and unprecedented investment opportunities. In this episode of Herrick Does That, Herrick’s Executive Chair, Belinda Schwartz, and Sports Law Chair, Irwin Kishner, dive into why women’s sports sponsorship is growing 50% faster than men’s major leagues and delivering exceptional ROI. Discover how this meteoric rise is reshaping the market, creating new avenues for brands and investors to connect with diverse audiences. Belinda and Irwin also share how Herrick’s legal team strategically supports clients entering these emerging spaces – from navigating new markets to structuring deals that maximize value. Tune in to learn why investing in women’s sports isn’t just smart – it’s transformative. 

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

Yariv Ben-Ari, partner and co-chair of Herrick’s Real Estate Hospitality group, is joined by Evan Weiss, Chief Operating Officer and Principal at LW Hospitality Advisors, one of the industry’s most respected voices in hotel valuation and capital markets to discuss the complex matrix used in hotel valuations. Together, they take a deep dive into how hotels are really appraised — from the fundamentals every investor should understand, to the complex valuation dynamics driving deals, refinancing, and investment decisions in 2025. Evan walks listeners through a true “Hotel Appraisal 101,” then breaks down how valuation approaches differ between the U.S. and Europe, where inflation, brand value and investor behavior tell two very different stories. Owners, lenders and asset managers will get you a sharper understanding on what their hotel is really worth and why.

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

Last week, the New York City Council voted to approve the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan (MSMX) . One off the largest, “neighborhood rezonings” in the past decade, this is the first major rezoning that takes full advantage of the City of Yes zoning initiative that was approved in December 2024.

MSMX rezones a 42-block area generally extending from 23rd Street to 41st Street between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue. For decades, these blocks were zoned for manufacturing uses and prohibited residential uses. With time, most, if not all, manufacturing jobs left this area. In recognition of this, MSMX rezoned the majority of these blocks to mixed-use districts that allow for, among other things, light manufacturing uses and residential uses. With this, MSMX is estimated to deliver approximately 9,500 units of housing, over 2,800 of which will be permanently affordable.

For more information on MSMX, we encourage you to listen to our podcast Land Use & Zoning Update: Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan is Approved by the City Council where Herrick partners Mitchell Korbey and Robert Huberman discuss MSMX and what it means for the future of Midtown South.

We’re excited for the opportunity to help our clients better understand the benefits of MSMX, including how it allows for increased density and the potential for office-to-residential conversions.

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

In New York City, some cooperative apartment buildings can generate significant income by selling their unused air rights. However, unlocking this value involves navigating a range of complexities, including outdated governing documents, tax implications, the need for mortgage lender approval and issues related to temporary construction access. Herrick Real Estate partner, Michael A. Smith, walks listeners through these issues. Michael discusses how these transactions involve intricate legal, financial and logistical considerations.

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

Just one day after the U.S. entered the conflict in June 2025, Herrick partner and co-chair of its Israel Practice Group, Yariv Ben-Ari reconnects with Menachem (Meni) Neeman, Deputy CEO and Chief Legal Counsel of The Phoenix Group, Israel’s largest financial institution, for a conversation about leading in the fog of war once again. From navigating legal uncertainty and capital exposure to stabilizing a workforce disrupted by emergency military call-ups, school closures, and Israelis stranded around the world due to closed airspace, Neeman shares how leadership decisions are being made in real time under extraordinary pressure. The two discuss how Israel’s capital markets are defying expectations and how institutional stability is being preserved. Neeman discusses how, even now, new strategic opportunities are emerging. This isn’t just a conversation about managing risk. It’s a study in leadership, endurance and the unshakable resolve of Israel. 

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

 In this episode of Herrick Does That, Real Estate partner, Yariv Ben-Ari, is joined by Greg Reverdiau, co-founder and lead instructor of Pilot Institute, as they explore how Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (i.e., drones) and electric vertical aircraft (EVA) are transforming real estate and the legal landscape that comes with it. From urban air mobility and drone delivery to agriculture, inspections and construction monitoring, aerial technology is reshaping how we build, manage, and regulate property. They dive into critical issues like airspace ownership, zoning, liability, FAA regulations, privacy and emerging legislation such as the Countering CCP Drones Act. This episode unpacks the complex intersection of drones, law, and the future of real estate. 

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz

 New York City real estate owners and developers have long asked Herrick about transferring unused development rights from an individual landmark to a site across the street, through a 74-79 Special Permit issued by the City Planning Commission (CPC). While these transfers have historically been rare due to a time-consuming, uncertain approval process, with the recent changes to the City’s zoning regulations – specifically, the "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" (COY) – these transfers have become much easier and more flexible. Listen as Robert Huberman and Michael Smith discuss the removal of some of the red tape and restrictions as wells as the streamlined process and geographic flexibility of the COY changes.  

Music by Michelangelo Sosnowitz