Business Today Names Cecelia Fanelli A Top Hospitality Lawyer for 2023

July 17, 2023 - The online business news publication Business Today has named Brewer Partner Cecelia Fanelli one of the Top 10 Most Influential Leisure and Hospitality Lawyers Across the USA.

Business Today states of the top named hospitality lawyers that, "With an in-depth understanding of both domestic and international laws, these lawyers embody expertise and dedication. Possessing a wealth of experience in their respective domains, they provide their clients with valuable advice and guidance. The list below comprises some of the most prominent Leisure & Hospitality lawyers in the United States who are known for their impressive professional capabilities." 

The recognition notes that Fanelli, “focuses her reputed practice on dispute resolution for hotel owners and lenders. Known for her involvement in large cases and additional expertise in labor, employment issues, and environmental matters, Cecelia is a recommended hospitality litigator.”

Fanelli is a partner in the New York office and has decades of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, practicing across the country in federal and state trial and appellate courts. She has been lead counsel in numerous domestic and international arbitrations. Ms. Fanelli is also regularly chosen to serve as an arbitrator in high stakes arbitrations, particularly in the hotel, lending, and real estate industries.  Her practice involves a variety of complex commercial litigation matters, with an emphasis on matters relating to the hotel and real estate industries. Since 2011, she has been ranked by Chambers USA in the Leisure & Hospitality, Nationwide category.

Brewer Partner Cecelia Fanelli Comments on Controversial LA Ordinance

August 11, 2022 – Law360 interviewed Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Partner Cecelia Fanelli about the implications of a proposed Los Angeles ordinance that would require hotels to house homeless people in vacant rooms. The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to put the proposed ordinance on the ballot, leaving it up to voters to decide whether to approve the measure.

Fanelli said the proposed ordinance raises many concerns, including placing hospitality workers outside of their traditional role, charging them to provide “nightly social services” for homeless people in hotel rooms.  

"The ordinance also raises the issue of an overreach into the affairs of private businesses by the government, and it also potentially places into jeopardy the insurance coverage of hotels and motels given the change in their risk profile. Those costs would likely be passed on to consumers," Fanelli said.

"If it begins in Los Angeles, there's nothing to say that similar initiatives wouldn't be instituted in other cities," she added.

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News Release: Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Names Cecelia L. Fanelli Partner and Expands Hospitality Practice

New York, NY… September 9, 2020 – Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors announced the addition of veteran hospitality attorney Cecelia L. Fanelli as a Partner in the firm’s New York office.    

Fanelli is recognized as a leader in her field – achieving successful outcomes in some of the world’s most prominent hospitality cases. 

“Cecelia’s considerable experience and winning track record are a huge asset for our clients in the hospitality sector and beyond,” said firm partner William A. Brewer III. “We are pleased to welcome her to our firm – and eager to continue the growth and expansion of our hospitality practice group.”    

“This is an exciting time to join the Brewer firm – as it helps a growing roster of hospitality clients navigate unprecedented legal and business challenges,” Fanelli said. “The Brewer firm shares in my commitment to be at the leading edge of advocacy for owners, managers, and investors.”  

Fanelli has served as an arbitrator in high stakes matters, particularly in the hotel industry. Since 2011, Chambers USA has ranked her in the Leisure & Hospitality, Nationwide category.    

Her clients previously have included hotel owners, lenders, franchisees, franchisors, asset managers and management companies. Her successes include obtaining several multimillion-dollar recoveries in hotel industry and real estate litigation.    

Additionally, Fanelli is active in transactions relating to hotel assets, including the negotiation and drafting of management agreements.   

Fanelli has been named a Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer at the Cornell Hotel School. Fanelli received her Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She was previously a Member at Eckert Seamans. 

Cecelia L. Fanelli

Partner