Candace Carponter is a seasoned real estate attorney serving as Of Counsel to Davidoff Hutcher & Citron’s Real Estate Law practice. She brings a sophisticated blend of transactional acumen and courtroom experience, with deep expertise spanning landlord-tenant litigation, supportive and affordable housing, real estate disputes, nonprofit governance, and trial advocacy. Her practice is distinguished by a commitment to mission-driven legal work and a strong record of representing clients across all facets of real property law.
Education:
- The George Washington University Law School, JD, Law – 1981
- Cornell University, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Psychology – 1976
Landlord-Tenant Litigation
Candace represents both landlords and tenants in a broad range of disputes arising from residential and commercial lease relationships. Her work encompasses nonpayment and holdover proceedings, prosecuting and defending litigation for repairs, unlawful detainer actions, and the enforcement and defense of lease covenants. She is well-versed in navigating rent stabilization and rent control regulations, housing court procedures, and the strategic complexities that arise when litigation intersects with building ownership transitions or regulatory compliance obligations. Her advocacy extends to pre-litigation counseling aimed at resolving disputes efficiently before they escalate to formal proceedings.
Supportive Housing
Candace counsels nonprofits providing supportive housing, developers, and government-affiliated entities on the legal complexities of developing, financing, and operating supportive housing. Her experience encompasses affordable housing financing structures, interpreting and enforcing regulatory agreements, and compliance with state and federal housing program requirements. She advises clients navigating HUD regulations, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit transactions, and the unique operational challenges of housing populations with special needs — including those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance abuse disorders. Her work in this area reflects a deep understanding of the intersection between housing policy, real estate law, and social services delivery.
Real Estate Litigation
Candace has extensive experience litigating contested real property matters in state and federal courts. Her practice covers title disputes, breach of purchase and sale agreements, construction defect and contractor disputes, partition actions, and claims involving fraud or misrepresentation in real estate transactions. She also handles disputes arising from co-op and condominium governance, including board decision challenges and common charge disputes. Candace combines a thorough command of real property law with practical litigation strategy, enabling her to efficiently assess risk, manage discovery, and advocate effectively at trial or in settlement negotiations. Her clients include individual property owners, real estate investors, developers, and institutional landlords.
Nonprofit Board Leadership
Candace provides legal counsel to nonprofit organizations, with particular focus on boards operating in the housing and community development sectors. She advises on fiduciary duties, governance best practices, conflict of interest policies, bylaw amendments, and the legal responsibilities of board members under state nonprofit corporation law. She also assists nonprofits in managing legal risk associated with their real property holdings and programmatic activities.
Trial Practice
An experienced trial attorney, Candace brings a disciplined and thorough approach to preparing and litigating cases through verdict. Her trial practice spans real estate and housing as well as general civil matters, and she is skilled in every phase of litigation — from pleadings and motion practice to investigation, witness preparation, evidentiary arguments, and closing arguments. She has appeared in housing court, state Supreme Court, Federal Court and appellate forums, and is known for translating complex property and regulatory issues into clear, persuasive narratives for judges and juries alike.
Community Service:
Candace maintains a strong commitment to community service, demonstrated through her active leadership as a member of the Board of Directors of:
- Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance/Institute of the Arts/Hearts of Men (2014-present; Chair of the Board 2015-2026)
- Everyone Reading (2014-present; Chair of the Board 2015-2022)
- The Berkeley Carroll School Board of Directors (2008-2014)
- Board of Directors of Smallwood Civic Association, Smallwood New York (2024 to present)