He was counsel to the realty group from 1927 until 1975.

In earlier decades, realty groups were more apt to lead than follow.

In 2009, a realty group renovated the property, which is now an apartment building.

The bill won wide support among realty groups and advocates of "affordable" housing.

And well-financed research departments have given realty groups a new way to influence public policy.

But lawyers for the realty group say that both the state housing division and court precedent support its use of the clause.

Nonetheless, courtrooms are becoming a more common destination for realty groups.

Across the nation, realty groups are filling similar vacuums with research, legislative and legal talent.

The Manhattan-based realty group, which was started in 1971, is one of the most successful real estate investors in the country.

Not always do realty groups prevail.