Christopher M. Slowik, Esq.

Professional Experience

Chris’s practice focuses strongly on administrative law and the workings of agencies – especially those of the City of New York, pertaining to the construction, maintenance, and occupancy of buildings. For sixteen years, Chris has helped property owners, design professionals, and members of the building trades navigate the complex regulatory environment of the City.

As a litigator, Chris has extensive experience in trial and appellate courts, both state and federal. His cases have included Article 78 challenges to government determinations, including land use decisions and license denials or revocations; petitions under Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law §881; and tort, contract, and civil rights matters.

Chris frequently appears before the NYC Department of Buildings, to assist in obtaining building permits, to obtain pre-consideration for waivers of Building Code or Zoning Resolution requirements, and to defend against disciplinary charges or building-code violations. He prosecutes land use applications at the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals and Department of City Planning. He is deeply versed in the theory and practice of administrative law, having advised his clients on the powers and duties of agencies, overlapping or underlapping jurisdiction, legislative history and rule promulgation, agency investigatory powers and administrative tribunals, and challenges to agency jurisdiction. 

Chris negotiates construction license agreements and is experienced in the resolution of difficult property law questions involving easements, party walls encroachments, adverse possession, deed restrictions and covenants, and equitable servitudes.

Chris resides in Brooklyn with his wife and daughter, where he coaches softball, plays soccer, and is an Elder and former member of Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn.