Rick Costantini focuses his legal practice on commercial and residential real estate, land use, zoning, and commercial transactions. Rick represents prominent developers, landlords, tenants, and lenders in transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and financing. He also represents national hospitality groups, local businesses, municipalities, and individuals, who require counsel related to real estate and business matters.
An experienced transactional lawyer, Rick structures and closes deals to protect both his clients’ short-term and long-term goals, efficiently and cost effectively. He delivers practical solutions to the most complex development projects, financing matters, and lease agreements.
Rick resolves zoning and land use issues for commercial and residential development projects of all sizes and complexity. He is particularly adept at understanding these hurdles and solving them to the satisfaction of both his clients and the commissions and boards that approve them. He regularly appears before various municipal agencies, boards, and commissions across Connecticut. His reputation for integrity coupled with his sophisticated understanding of the plausible constructs of a deal invariably lead to efficient and affirmative outcomes for his clients. Accordingly, Rick has been selected for inclusion in Connecticut Super Lawyers Rising Stars in the area of Land Use/Zoning.
Rick has worked on some of the firm’s notable projects including the Norwalk Art Space, Garavel Subaru’s new dealership being constructed on Main Avenue in Norwalk, and Maplewood Senior Living Westport.
While Rick represents landlords and tenants in commercial leasing transactions, he is especially skilled at working with hospitality clients, having grown up in family-owned restaurants and representing them throughout his career. He has a deep understanding of what constitutes efficient, productive space, and how to structure leases to best support the operation of a restaurant, from a single establishment to those expanding nationally.
Business transactions are another facet of Rick’s thriving practice. He represents small businesses in a variety of ways including business organization and governance, acquisitions, and stock and asset sales. He regularly counsels clients on all aspects of a business’ lifecycle and provides a creative and cost-effective approach to deal making.
Rick currently serves as the secretary of the Planning & Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. He is also an active member of the community, currently serving as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Housatonic Community College Foundation, which provides financial assistance to the college and its students for scholarships, program initiatives, and enhancements. Prior to his time on the board, he served as an adjunct professor at the college, teaching courses in Entrepreneurship and Introduction to Business Law. Rick is also a former two-term Majority Leader and member of the Trumbull Town Council.
Practice Areas
Real Estate
Land Use & Zoning
Corporate & Business Transactions
Education
Rhode Island College, BA, 2004
Quinnipiac University School of Law, JD, 2009
Admissions
Connecticut
New York
U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
Awards & Achievements
Connecticut Super Lawyers Rising Stars
Secretary of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Planning & Zoning Section
Secretary of Housatonic Community College Foundation’s Board of Directors
Former two-term Majority Leader and member of the Trumbull Town Council
