Joel Sciascia – VP & General Counsel

About Mr. Sciascia

With over 25 years of experience in construction law, contract negotiations, and real estate development, Joel Sciascia serves as Executive Vice President & General Counsel at The Rinaldi Group (TRG). His expertise in risk management, deal structuring, and dispute resolution makes him a key leader in ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across TRG’s operations. Mr. Sciascia works closely with the CEO, Vice Presidents, and Project Executives to oversee contract administration, trade negotiations, and legal strategy for TRG’s extensive portfolio of high-rise, mixed-use, commercial, and hospitality projects.

Career Milestones & Leadership

Before joining TRG, Mr. Sciascia held senior roles in real estate law, arbitration, and construction finance, working with top law firms and real estate consulting firms:

  • Ernst & Young Kenneth Leventhal, NY – Senior Consultant/Attorney – Structured and modeled real estate transactions and REIT acquisitions, performed legal due diligence on mortgage financing and acquisitions, and developed financial models for real estate investments
  • Goldberg Weprin & Ustin, NY – Real Estate Attorney – Drafted operating agreements, commercial mortgages, and partnership conversions, and represented commercial lenders and developers
  • Pavarini McGovern – Construction Counsel – Provided legal oversight for high-profile construction management projects, including work with Columbia University, New York Law School, and public infrastructure projects
  • Adjunct Professor – NYU Tandon School of Engineering – Teaching graduate coursework in Construction Law, Contracts & Specifications
  • Board of Directors – New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) – Former Chair of the Construction Committee and active in the ADR and Committee on Committees
  • Lecturer & Panel Moderator – Frequently speaks on emerging legal issues in construction and real estate development

Notable Projects

Mr. Sciascia has played a pivotal role in overseeing the legal framework and contract administration for some of TRG’s most complex developments, including:

  • 106 West 56th Street, NYC – A 27-story boutique office tower on Billionaire’s Row
  • 2420 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC – A 24-story, 287,000 SF mixed-use hospitality and office development
  • 12 East 48th Street, NYC – A 31-story, 161-key luxury hospitality project
  • 250 5th Avenue, NYC – A 23-story high-rise hotel integrating a historic mansion
  • CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel, NYC – A 21-story European boutique hotel

Education

  • J.D., Law – Fordham University School of Law
  • M.S., Construction & Real Estate Development – Arizona State University
  • B.S., Architecture – Arizona State University

Certifications

  • Admitted to New York State Bar & U.S. Supreme Court Bar
  • 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Certification
  • Active Neutral – American Arbitration Association (AAA)

Licenses & Registrations

New York

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The Rinaldi Group Commitment

Mr. Sciascia’s expertise in construction law, contract negotiation, and real estate development ensures that The Rinaldi Group continues to navigate complex legal frameworks while maintaining efficiency and compliance. His commitment to risk management, strategic deal structuring, and industry leadership reinforces TRG’s position as a top-tier construction and development firm in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.