Steven Abramson is an attorney specializing in retail, restaurant and manufacturing clients, often being an integral part of his clients’ senior management. He has played an active role in developing and implementing client strategic plans and his representation has traditionally included not only legal representation, but the negotiation of economic terms, brand development and expansion.
He is a partner of Silver, Freedman, Taff and Tiernan, LLP with over 30 years of experience. His practice has included a wide variety of manufacturing, distribution and retail businesses, and he has operational knowledge in the , apparel, furniture, jewelry, food, grocery and restaurant industries. His representation includes both public and private companies.
Steven routinely negotiates terms and conditions of all material agreements affecting his clients, such as real property and equipment leases, site development, design and construction agreements, distribution agreements, license agreements, operating agreements, employment agreements, employment handbooks and policies, equity and debt financing agreements, merger, acquisition and purchase agreements\ and related documentation.
He has personally facilitated the growth of several national retail chains, through both new stores and the strategic acquisition of other similar businesses, for both retailers and those manufacturers’ that have vertical distribution networks. He also develops and coordinates financing and vendor workouts and restructuring programs on a national basis. In connection with these efforts, he has negotiated accords with all major U.S. regional shopping center developers to restructure client lease terms or, in the case of underperforming units, terminate leases, often on an amicable basis.
Steven not only represents restaurants but is also a founder and active principal in the Medium Rare restaurant chain. Through his own operational experience, he brings a unique understanding and perspective to challenges facing restaurateurs.
Steven manages the firm’s commercial real estate practice, working closely with firm clients engaged in the development, acquisition, sale and lease of residential, retail, office and mixed use projects.
Steven has lectured on site selection and related real estate expansion programs before the Georgetown University Law Center and the International Franchise Association Expo in Washington, D.C. and is co-author of Strategies for Negotiating Commercial Leases, published in The Franchising Handbook (AMACOM, 1993).