Practice areas: Business & Corporate, Real Estate, Securities & Corporate Finance; view more
Licensed in New York since: 2013
Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish
Selected to Rising Stars: 2023 Michele Cea is the principal and founding member of Cea Legal P.C. From the firm's offices in New York, New York, he offers legal representations to clients throughout Manhattan, The Bronx and Brooklyn. He represents foreign nationals and international companies conducting business within the United States. He possesses a wealth of experience in handling various legal matters involving:
- Corporate and commercial blockchain affairs
- Real estate transactions
- Trademark law
- Sports and entertainment law
- Hospitality
- Nonimmigrant visa petitions – for extraordinary ability and investor visas
Mr. Cea earned his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University School of Law in Milan, Italy, in 2009. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Laws cum laude at Fordham University School of Law in New York in 2011. Prior to acquiring his LL.M degree, he worked at a prominent Italian boutique corporate law firm, concentrating on handling shareholder agreements and various business transactions.
After relocating to New York, Mr. Cea served as a foreign attorney at a distinguished white collar law firm, where he dealt with complex matters related to financial fraud, securities regulation and corporate compliance. Subsequently, he joined the New York office of an international law firm as an associate, representing European clients operating in the United States.
Licensed to practice law in both New York (2013) and Italy (2012), Mr. Cea established his own law firm in 2014. He remains actively involved in the legal community and holds memberships in prestigious organizations such as the New York City Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Mr. Cea has consistently demonstrated an exemplary commitment to his clients, surpassing expectations and going the extra mile. This dedication has resulted in him receiving numerous positive remarks on Avvo, coupled with an "Excellent" rating on the platform.
Besides his proficiency in the legal field, Mr. Cea possesses a remarkable skill for oration and writing, enchanting crowds with his profound wisdom and insights. Also, he is competent in Italian and conversant in Spanish.
Practice areas
Business/Corporate, Real Estate: Business, Securities & Corporate FinanceFocus areas
Condominiums & Cooperatives, Contracts
- 50% Business/Corporate
- 30% Real Estate: Business
- 20% Securities & Corporate Finance
First Admitted: 2012
Professional Webpage: https://www.cealegal.com/attorney/cea-michele/
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York, 2013
- Italy, 2012
Transactions
- Represented a major fashion company on the negotiation of a commercial lease within a premier NYC retail center, 2024
- Represented an award-winning UK men’s grooming brand in securing the lease for their first U.S. storefront in a prime location in Soho, New York. , 2026
- Counseled a high-profile hospitality group in the successful negotiation of a long-term commercial lease for a popular dining destination on the Upper West Side., 2022
- Counseled the owner of a multi-million dollar SoHo residence in a successful divestment, managing all aspects of the sale for this expansive luxury pied-à-terre., 2025
- Outside counsel for a blockchain-based identity startup, where I navigated the complex intersection of Zero-Knowledge Proofs and federal banking regulations. This engagement involved auditing the MVP for Know Your Customer compliance and orchestrating the initial equity distribution among the founding and core teams, complete with milestone-based vesting structures to support the company’s growth trajectory., 2025
- Counseled an international investor on a complex back-to-back 1031 exchange in Brooklyn, managing the simultaneous disposition of an investment asset and acquisition of a replacement property while ensuring strict adherence to FIRPTA withholding requirements, 2021
- Negotiated and structured a high-stakes joint venture between a prominent European shipping company and a U.S. counterpart to expand transatlantic operations., 2025
Educational Background
- Catholic University School of Law in Milan, Italy, J.D., with honors, 2009
Awards
Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com
Industry Groups
- Fashion
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing.
- Real Estate
- Tech
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2023
Additional sources of information about Michele Cea
"Ask a Lawyer" answers provided by Michele Cea
- Q: Can A Homeowners Association Or Condominium Benefit By Foreclosing On A Unit To Collect Delinquent Common Charges In New York?
A: In NY, condos can treat delinquent common charges with the same legal weight as a defaulted mortgage. By initiating a foreclosure, a board can force … - Q: I live in New York. I trusted my investment broker and lost a lot of money. Do I have a case?
A: Market loss alone does not automatically create a legal case. Whether you have a case is a fact-intensive inquiry that generally hinges on two … - Q: Can condo boards sue developers for construction defects in New York?
A: In New York, a condo board's right to sue a developer depends on the Offering Plan, which acts as a binding contract. Because the Martin Act prevents … - Q: Selling a house in New York. Buyer wants to pay cash. I got sick and had to move to South Carolina with my son. How do I do this deal?
A: By utilizing a Limited Power of Attorney (POA), you can authorize a trusted individual—frequently your real estate attorney—to act as your …
