Legal Services
Displaying over 4 decades worth of experience and amassing an impressive 50 years at his current firm, Mr. Chertok has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the environmental legal field with a focus on environmental litigation, environmental impact assessments and land use/zoning, particularly in regard to infrastructure projects.
Mr. Chertok began his academic endeavors at the State University of New York, Buffalo (now known as the University of Buffalo), graduating with his BA in 1967, Magna Cum Laude. Following this achievement, completed his studies at Harvard Law School, graduating with his J.D, Cum Laude in 1970. Mr. Chertok was successfully admitted to practice Law in 1971.
Mr. Chertok has dedicated the best part of his career to working at Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C where he has successfully grown the firm through his role as senior partner. Based in New York City, the firm serves clients on a national and local basis and specializes in all aspects of Environmental Law.
Mr. Chertok has over 50 years’ experience in environmental and land use counseling, permitting, enforcement and litigation. He is highly regarded for his achievements, which include representing interstate, regional, state, and local agencies, private entities, and environmental and civic organizations.
Mr. Chertok displays extensive experience in environmental impact statement (EIS) counseling and litigation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). He also undertakes wetlands and water quality permitting, particularly for waterfront projects, under the Clean Water Act and State counterparts, as well as major transportation projects, air quality and climate change issues under the Clean Air Act. Further capabilities are demonstrated in hazardous substances remediation and litigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), and in remediation under the New York State Brownfield Cleanup and State Superfund Programs. This is in addition to oil spill remediation under the New York State Navigation Law, compliance review of Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments, land use and zoning, coastal zone management and historic preservation.
On the back of his successes within the field of law, Mr. Chertok is an established Author and has published written works of his own as well as contributed to various articles and chapters. Mr. Chertok also shares his knowledge in a teaching capacity, fulfilling roles within Cardozo Law School and Pace University School of Law teaching environmental litigation, as well as Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Historic Preservation teaching the topic of Developmental Law.
In reflection of his long-standing career, Mr. Chertok is proud to have been consistently awarded the Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and New York Metro Area Superlawyer for Environmental Law, ‘Best Lawyers’ 2013 and 2019 and 2024, and New York City ‘Lawyer of the Year’ for Environmental Law.
Upholding his professional status, he maintains affiliations with the American Law Institute, and the American, New York State and New York City Bar Associations. Mr. Chertok is also highly regarded as a member of the board of directors of the New York City Environmental Law Leadership Institute.
In his time outside of work, Mr. Chertok enjoys activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.