In the heart of New York’s towering skyline and exclusive hospitality scene, Shaun Pappas, Partner at Starr Associates, melds legal precision with a collaborative spirit. Forged in the fast‑paced world working with leading development firms like Tishman Speyer and JDS Development, Pappas has become the go‑to counsel for transformative projects—from private membership havens like Flyfish Club to landmark office‑to‑residential conversions.
A Hands‑On Approach to Real Estate Law
Pappas’s journey began as a law student seeking a practice that matched his strengths: hands‑on, collaborative, and outcome‑driven. Drawn to the tangible impact of real estate transactions, he thrived in negotiating deals that move cities forward rather than litigating at odds. “It’s about getting buyers and sellers across the finish line together,” he explains, a philosophy that underpins every contract he crafts.
Embracing Experiential Hospitality
When Flyfish Club sought to elevate New York’s private dining scene, Pappas seized the opportunity. Brought in early by a hospitality visionary, he navigated complex real estate and licensing hurdles to launch what’s now one of the city’s most talked‑about membership clubs. His insight? “If you’re charging for exclusivity, the experience—and especially the food—must be unrivaled.” Today, Flyfish’s serene space and top‑tier cuisine stand as a testament to his seamless legal guidance.
“I didn’t inherit this—I earned it,” Pappas reflects on joining a boutique firm years ago. Unlike legacy players who rely on pedigree, his generation combines deep historical knowledge with proactive innovation. By anticipating market trends—be it experiential venues or NFTs as membership tokens—he keeps clients ahead of the curve, proving that value is created by adaptability as much as tradition.
Legacy Built on Ethics
For Pappas, the ultimate mark left on New York is one of integrity. Over 23 years, his firm has cultivated a reputation where “clients call on me whether they’re friend or foe.” He rejects roadblocks, viewing lawyers as stewards who illuminate risks without stalling progress. “My role isn’t to decide for clients but to equip them with the knowledge to decide,” he says, a credo that turns complex transactions into collaborative triumphs.
Flyfish Club Spotlight
As lead counsel, Pappas guided Flyfish Club through every phase—from site acquisition to membership structuring. He adopted cutting-edge digital strategies, helping to tokenize memberships via NFTs to differentiate the club in a crowded market. This forward-thinking maneuver not only generated buzz but also laid the groundwork for the intersection of hospitality and digital assets.
Intimate, Tailored Project Support
What sets Pappas apart is its “first‑in, last‑out” commitment: attorneys who start on a deal stay through the entire process, from openings to closings. He relishes watching a site evolve from an empty lot to a vibrant community hub, most memorably guiding the massive office‑to‑residential conversion at One Wall Street. Such deep involvement requires a thorough understanding of every aspect of a project, from unit orientation to amenity layouts, ensuring regulatory and contractual compliance at every stage.
A Defining Career Pivot
Graduating amid the 2008 crisis, Pappas’s path to Starr Associates reshaped his trajectory. Facing a scarcity of corporate roles, he turned to litigation before joining a nimble boutique firm. There, he transitioned to transactions, ultimately earning equity and leadership. “I never set out to run a business,” he admits, “but investing in this firm proved to be the best decision of my career.”
Lessons from High‑Stakes Developers
Whether negotiating with generational real estate dynasties or first‑time developers, Pappas learned one constant: know your project better than anyone. From bedroom counts to exposure angles, his clients’ meticulous focus inspired his own practice. “Their attention to detail is the trust currency—they’ve earned their backers’ confidence, and so must we.”