Alan S. Epstein, PE, MSCE,
Esq.
Founder and President
Epstein Engineering, P.C. Consulting Engineers
In addition to his law degree from St. John’s, Alan S. Epstein
‘83 holds a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and a Masters Degree in
Civil Engineering. Mr. Epstein notes, “I consider my academic
accomplishments as being similar in nature to the foundation of a
solid structure – a place on which to build.” In addition to
his scholastic achievements, Mr. Epstein has in excess of thirty
years of hands on experience designing and managing construction
projects that have shaped the skyline of New York City. His
portfolio of famous client buildings includes: Cornell Weill
Medical College, the New York Life Building, the Carnegie Hall
Tower and the Woolworth Building.
Mr. Epstein thought that upon graduating from St. John’s School
of Law he would join a firm and be actively engaged in practicing
law concentrating on engineering and construction issues.
However, at the time, few law firms specialized in such
practices. Hence, Mr. Epstein launched his own boutique
engineering firm servicing the special needs of New York’s real
estate and construction industries. His legal education
provided insight that few engineering firms could deliver.
Starting with no clients, no contacts and limited funds, Mr.
Epstein spent long days and nights in his office establishing the
firm with the decision-makers of the construction and building
management community. For 2 years running Mr. Epstein’s firm
has been officially recognized as New York’s Top Engineering and
Architectural Firm. He jokes, “After fifteen years of hard work, I
became an overnight success.”
Based upon his attention to detail and growing reputation in the
industry, Mr. Epstein’s firm was called on by the NYC Department of
Buildings in the late 90’s to sit on a blue ribbon panel to review
and recommend changes to the eighteen-year-old building façade
inspection law, known as Local Law 10/80, after a portion of a
building façade gave way on Madison Avenue killing a young
pedestrian. Epstein and the panel analyzed and reviewed the
existing code at the time, mindful of various complex circumstances
and scenarios, and ultimately proposed a series of recommendations
that became known as Local Law 11/98 which remains in effect at the
present time.
Although his work directly shapes the city skyline, Mr. Epstein
believes that one of his greatest accomplishments is helping young
professionals in his firm develop their skills. He is proud
of the fact that as his firm has grown, his staff turn-over has
been almost non-existent. This can be attributed to the
personal interest he takes in his staff – which parallels his
personal involvement in client relationships. The firm’s
growth has been controlled and steady over the years so that all
parties benefit and receive the attention needed for their
respective projects.
As a Dean’s List student, while working full time, Mr. Epstein
received his fair share of good grades. However, his advice
for the St. John’s Law student of today, “grades are important but
equally important is to follow your interests. If you are
only concerned about how much money you will make upon graduation
and the grades needed to interview at certain firms you will be
missing out on a tremendous opportunity to develop as a person and
as an attorney. Follow your passion and how the law relates
to your interests and you will be a happier more complete person in
the long run … the financial reward will have a way of working
itself out.”