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Profile

Xiangying “Claire” Guan, Esq., holds an LL.M. degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and also earned an LL.M. from Peking University Law School. Additionally, she holds an LL.B. in Law and a B.A. in English Language and Literature from China University of Political Science and Law, with a visiting student experience at the University of Leeds in the UK. Her educational background from leading law schools in both China and the U.S. equips her with a strong legal foundation and an international perspective.

Currently, Ms. Guan serves as a senior attorney in the real estate department of iLead Law Group, focusing on real estate and commercial transactions in New York City’s five boroughs and Long Island. She independently manages the entire legal process from client consultation to closing. Previously, she worked as a transaction and title attorney at a top 20 real estate law firm in New York, handling complex real estate transactions, including contract review, title examination, and distressed asset acquisitions to ensure compliance and protect client interests. Ms. Guan is a licensed attorney in China and has work experience with Fangda Partners in China, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’ Beijing Office, and Hogan Lovells’ Beijing office.

In addition to her legal career, Ms. Guan is passionate about community service. She serves as a standing director of the Asian American Attorney Association of America (AAAA) and as a service attorney at the American Community Legal Services Center, where she provides legal assistance to the community and actively participates in various public welfare activities, promoting social justice and multicultural legal services.

Notable Representation:  

• Provided Federal Legal Compliance for Out-of-State or International Real Estate Investors in New York State

Ms. Guan offered comprehensive federal compliance consulting for out-of-state and non-U.S. clients investing in New York real estate. Her services included source-of-funds reviews under Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and tax planning under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). Through her expertise in federal regulations, she helped clients maintain compliance in interstate or cross-border investments, effectively mitigating potential legal risks.

• Conducted Due Diligence for a Manhattan Commercial Real Estate Equity Acquisition

Ms. Guan was responsible for due diligence in Manhattan commercial real estate acquisitions, with a focus on zoning, Certificates of Occupancy, EPA environmental liabilities, and Building Violations. She ensured compliance with the NYC Zoning Resolution and NYC Building Code to help clients avoid potential risks and meet legal requirements.

• Drafted Offering Plans for Queens Developers’ Condominium Projects

Ms. Guan drafted offering plans for a developer in Queens, including the preparation of the Offering Plan and review of relevant title documents. Through close collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, developers, architects, title insurance companies, and tax attorneys, she ensured compliance with NY Real Property Law, Multiple Dwelling Law, and NYC Building Code.

• Provided Legal Support for Condominium Sales for Developers

Ms. Guan provided comprehensive legal support for a condominium sales project in Long Island City, including title search and clearance, building permit review, and drafting and negotiation of sales contracts. She facilitated the smooth completion of title clearance and closing procedures.

• Represented a New York-Based Company in Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions

Ms. Guan supported a New York company’s acquisition of commercial real estate, including vacant land and commercial assets, managing key aspects such as due diligence, Purchase and Sale Agreement review, title insurance examination, and closing processes to ensure transaction compliance and safeguard client interests.

• Supported a Modular Housing Project in New York

Ms. Guan provided legal assistance for a company investing in a modular housing project in New York, referencing the Atlantic Yards project model. She helped the client assess the project’s feasibility in the New York market, ensuring compliance with local policies and building codes.

 • Comprehensive Title Examination Expertise

During her tenure at a title company, Ms. Guan was responsible for title review across hundreds of commercial and residential projects, ensuring the accuracy of property divisions and ownership records. She examined land surveys, verified boundaries, easements, and encroachments, and ensured that survey data aligned with the actual property. She provided end-to-end support, including parcel subdivision and merger, title document updates, and compliance confirmation for project design, facilitating smooth project title transfers and development processes.

• Delivered Legal Consulting and Training for A Real Estate Brokerage        

 Ms. Guan provided ongoing legal consulting and training for E Realty’s team, covering the latest updates in real estate regulations and policies. Through regular updates, she helped the team enhance compliance awareness, reducing legal risks during transactions.

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Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Buy and Sell Properties

Contract and Negotiations

Lease Agreements

Refinancing Support

Tax Strategies

Distress Property Management

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Education

Southern Methodist University, LL.M.

Peking University, LL.M.

China University of Political Science and Law, LL.B., B.A

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