Corey’s work is driven by a simple belief: development should move forward, not get stuck. He builds trust by understanding how land use decisions are made and clearing the path so projects can advance. Starting his career inside municipal government taught him not just the law but the human side of local decision-making, including how boards think, how communities react, and how good ideas gain momentum. Today, he uses that insight to guide developers through complex approvals with clarity, confidence, and a commitment to seeing their vision realized.
He has extensive experience obtaining entitlements for large-scale commercial, industrial, and renewable energy projects, including community solar installations, battery energy storage systems, data centers, infrastructure facilities, hotels, health care institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Corey leads teams conducting zoning and land use due diligence for major energy and infrastructure acquisitions and regularly appears before planning boards, zoning boards of appeals, town boards, environmental agencies, and state regulators. His work includes rezoning and zoning text amendments, special-use permits, variances, interpretation appeals, wetland and stormwater compliance, highway work permits, SEQRA environmental review, and wireless and telecommunications siting.
Corey maintains an active land-use litigation practice, which is an essential part of how he helps clients proactively avoid disputes. He represents applicants and municipalities in Article 78 proceedings and related state-court litigation before the Supreme Court, the Appellate Division, and the Court of Appeals. He has also litigated complex telecommunications siting matters in federal court and serves as an expert witness in disputes involving zoning procedure, municipal authority, and SEQRA.
In addition to his developer-focused practice, Corey serves as special counsel to municipalities on zoning code updates, SEQRA reviews, and complex development proposals. His SEQRA counsel experience includes leading the environmental review for a three-million-square-foot robotics fulfillment center and advising on the construction of a new professional football stadium.
A natural extension of his zoning practice includes the formation and representation of condominium and homeowner associations. Corey prepares and files offering plans and amendments with the NYS Attorney General’s Office and provides governance counsel to HOAs and condominium boards. He also advises hotels, restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and entertainment venues on all aspects of New York State liquor licensing, including new applications, corporate changes, alterations, additional bars, renewals, and disciplinary matters before the New York State Liquor Authority.
Corey has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Land Use and Zoning Law, including being named a Buffalo "Lawyer of the Year," and is a frequent lecturer on zoning, SEQRA, and municipal law for statewide professional audiences.
Corey serves as the managing director of Barclay Damon’s Buffalo and Toronto offices, is a member of the firm’s Management Committee, and is the chair of the firm’s Land Use and Zoning Practice Area.