The Team at Morrel Hirsch & Advisors

Howard Morrel

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON & ATTORNEY

Howard Morrel is a distinguished and seasoned residential real estate agent with over three decades of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, he has closed over $3 billion in sales.

He serves as an expert consultant and agent for real estate professionals, attorneys and family offices with extensive international real estate portfolios. He is a specialist in private real estate transactions with a particular niche in matters related to trusts & estates and is a fiduciary in Part 36 of Surrogate’s Court of New York.

His client roster includes multidisciplinary personalities: musicians, sports and entertainment celebrities, family offices, foreign officials, C-Suite executives, sovereign funds, and tech gurus.

His impressive track record and unparalleled expertise have earned him a reputation as one of the top agents in the region. He was ranked the 11th top-producing broker in New York City by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends.

During his career, Howard has sold over 400 units on Manhattan’s prestigious Billionaires’ Row. He also sold the Halston House, a historic townhouse once known as the epicenter of the Studio 54 era, to fashion designer Tom Ford. He was also responsible for the sale of a co-op owned by Clive Davis at the Ritz Tower as well as the Sullivan Estate in Southampton for $58 million. Other noteworthy clients include Michael Ovitz, artists Mary J. Blige, and Diana Ross, comedian/actor Jackie Mason, as well as Martin Straka and Martin Ručinský of the New York Rangers and Raanan Katz, co-owner of the Miami Heat.

He earned a BA in Music Composition and Performance from Berklee College of Music and later his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2001. He is a licensed attorney and currently a member of the American Bar Association.

In his prior career, Howard was president and founder of HLM Production Ltd., an independent music production company. In addition to being an accomplished musician and composer, Howard produced 15 successful Jazz albums with major music labels such as Mitsubishi, MCA Universal, and Fujisanke.

In this career, he also produced Yoko Ono’s EP commemorating John Lennon’s 50th Birthday; and he produced the first high definition live broadcast event at the Tokyo Dome with artists such as Miles Davis, Natalie Cole, Lenny Kravitz to name a few; as well as co-wrote and co-produced music with members of Exile and Bob Clearmountain.

Today, Howard leads Morrel Hirsch & Advisors – a group of professional sales agents fluent in English, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

In 2024, Morrel Hirsch & Advisors was recruited by Christie’s International Real Estate Group to establish its Trusts & Estates Division to expand the company’s menu of services for its high-net-worth clients. The team has an extensive track record of working with executors, trusts, estates, elder law specialists, receivers, fiduciaries, family offices, non-profits, and institutional clients to provide a full spectrum of real estate services dedicated to this market.

Leslie Hirsch

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Leslie Hirsch is the co-founder of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors Team at Christie’s International Real Estate Group in New York City. She is also the co-founder and co-leader of the Trusts & Estates Division at Christie’s International Real Estate Group. For the past 20 years, Leslie has worked in concert with her business partner Howard Morrel to build a multifaceted sales force. Together, Leslie and Howard have led their team to achieve sales records year after year, while building an extensive following of loyal clients and transacting over US $3.5 Billion in sales.

Leading real estate broadcast outlets and publications including the Real Estate Report on NY1, The New York Times, New York Post, NBC’s Living Large, Openhouse NYC, The Real Deal, and Brick Underground have featured Leslie for her expertise.

Leslie combines relentless fact-finding with in-depth community knowledge to provide her clients with the key insights and details that help them to make the best business and personal decisions. She carefully assesses each transaction and develops a comprehensive plan of action for every buyer and seller.

Whether preparing the marketing strategy for a new listing or executing tough negotiations, Leslie practices absolute discretion and fidelity. She prides herself on a dedication to excellence and believes that truly understanding the needs of her clients is the most important element in establishing strong and productive working relationships.

Edward F. Joseph

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Edward Joseph brings to each transaction not only incomparable service, but a long list of accomplishments in real estate sales. Edward has been recognized as a frequent “Broker of the Month”, as well as one of the top NYC listing agents. His reputation in the luxury market is beyond reproach. Edward’s townhouse sales have set records for the highest prices in the industry. His knowledge of the townhouse market and his skillful pricing have created a loyal client base who reach out to him again and again. Edward brings the same enthusiasm to the sales of co-operatives and condominiums. Most of all, Edward is regarded as a consummate professional, and a broker who makes the buying and selling process not only less stressful, but truly enjoyable. In 21 years in real estate, Edward has sold townhouses on the Upper West Side, luxury apartments on Park and Fifth Avenues, condos in Midtown, and penthouses and lofts in Tribeca and SoHo. He is totally comfortable anywhere in Manhattan.

Prior to his career in Real Estate, Edward was a successful theatre director. He started directing in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio then founded his own theatre company in Denver, Colorado. The theatre business brought Edward to New York, where he directed many off-Broadway productions. His directing skills were easily transferable to Real Estate. In his own words: “My Real Estate philosophy is: ‘I don’t believe in shortcuts.’ When I work with sellers or buyers, they are given 110% of my energy, enthusiasm, and expertise. One of the reasons for my success is my firm belief that the buying and selling process revolves around the customer’s needs. Every individual situation is different — there are no boilerplates here! Every real estate transaction reflects this. Real estate is about life. Just know that when you’re ready, I’ll be ready.”

Laura Benner

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Laura Benner is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team in the Christie’s International Real Estate Group. Morrel Hirsch is one of the leading brokerages in the New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

Recently featured in Top 100 People in Real Estate, as well as Boutique Design’s New York Women Leaders, Laura has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality real estate and has worked for several prestigious hotel and real estate firms.

During her eleven years at Starwood Hotels and Resorts she sold more than $1.6B in hotel real estate. At Colony Capital, as the lead asset manager of 167 hotels, Laura was the decision maker and point person for more than $250M in renovations.

Having lived in Manhattan for more than 20 years, Laura is very knowledgeable about the various NYC neighborhoods and the unique characteristics each one has to offer. As a skilled and experienced negotiator, Laura has purchased and sold hotels, condos, co-ops and single-family homes, and has served several years on her co-op Board in Manhattan.

Laura’s track record with value-add residential and hospitality renovations, along with her attention to detail and creative instincts, leads to innovative and valuable real estate results for her clients. She applies her corporate-disciplined approach to every transaction, but also affords a friendly disposition to ensure a successful and enjoyable interaction.

Laura is a graduate of Cornell University and she has her MBA from the University of Southern California, where she received a Dean’s Account Fellowship.

Dee Dee Abdur-Rahim

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

When the stakes are high, clients choose Dee Dee not just for her expertise—but for her ability to anticipate, protect, and deliver. A licensed attorney and real estate investor with a personal understanding of relocation and lifestyle transitions, she’s the advisor high-performers trust when they need more than just a realtor. 

Now part of Christie’s International Real Estate Group, one of the most prestigious and globally recognized names in luxury real estate, Dee Dee is a member of the elite Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team—whose $3.5 billion+ in closed transactions speaks to their unmatched experience and reach in the New York market. 

A licensed attorney and seasoned real estate investor, Dee Dee brings more than two decades of multifaceted expertise to her role, combining deep legal knowledge, investment strategy, and construction project leadership. Her background includes experience in contract law, negotiations, trust and estate planning, and complex property development—making her a formidable asset for clients navigating high-value transactions. 

Dee Dee specializes in serving professional athletes, coaches, agents, and high-performing individuals who are relocating to or investing in New York City. Her personal experience with relocation, coupled with her professional insight, allows her to anticipate needs, streamline timelines, and offer white-glove service with discretion, clarity, and precision. 

Her core areas of focus include: 

– High-end residential acquisitions and sales 

– Athlete and executive relocation services 

– Custom development and renovation planning 

Clients consistently turn to Dee Dee for her sound judgment, unshakable discretion, and ability to simplify even the most complex deals. She is known for her calm, solutions-oriented approach and for protecting her clients’ time, privacy, and financial interests at every step. 

Beyond her professional life, Dee Dee has been a leader in community impact for over 20 years. She was the founder of Couture With A Cause, a visionary retail concept she built from the ground up into a profit-generating business. While structured as a for-profit venture, it operated with a philanthropic mission at its core—donating five figures to charitable causes over its three-year span. She is also a former Vice President and Board Member of Behind the Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association, and co-founder of the Future Foundation, which has served more than 20,000 families through education and youth development initiatives. 

Based in New York, Dee Dee brings her legal insight, real estate expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence to clients across the city’s most competitive markets. 

Benjamin Anderson

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Benjamin Anderson joined Morrel Hirsch & Advisors as Director of Operations after previously working as a key member on several previous top-producing real estate groups. As Director of Operations here at one of Christie’s International Real Estate Group’s high-performing teams, Benjamin brings operational and marketing experience to ensure efficiencies and performance as the team delivers strong and sustainable gains for clients—with a roaming brief across strategy and marketing. To date, Morrel Hirsch & Advisors has transacted more than $3.5 billion in sales.

Transparency, attention to detail, and a little bit of tenacity and levity are just a few things Benjamin brings to any transaction. Most noted for his undivided support, Benjamin understands that—for both buyers and sellers—the process can be the largest transaction in their life, and with that, a person-first approach is needed to support his clients.

Before joining Morrel Hirsch, Benjamin developed as a marketing savant at major advertising agencies, where he helped create and implement IMC campaigns for entertainment clients with budgets around $1-6MM, as well as major pharmaceutical brands with budgets over $200MM. Combining this marketing experience with his real estate acumen, Benjamin brings a determined and data-driven work ethic with a commitment to deliver on client expectations.

Caterina Leaness

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Caterina Leaness is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team in the Christie’s International Real Estate Group. Morrel Hirsch is one of the leading brokerages in the New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

As a native New Yorker with a passion for the vibrant energy of the city, Caterina Leaness is your dedicated guide to fulfilling your dream of finding your home in the heart of New York City. Caterina is a born and raised Upper East Sider who prides herself in the ability to fully understand her client’s needs and help them navigate the buying and selling process in the most efficient way. She enjoys getting to understand the city on a deeper level through the lens of real estate and loves navigating the process to find her clients their dream homes while bringing a deeper level of perspective to the process.

Specializing in representing buyers, Caterina brings a wealth of local expertise and a background in fashion to the real estate world, making her the perfect partner for your home-buying journey. With a keen eye for style and an intimate understanding of New York’s diverse neighborhoods, Caterina is committed to finding a property that not only meets your criteria but also reflects your unique lifestyle and personality.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy loft in Williamsburg, a chic apartment in SoHo, or a luxury condo on the Upper East Side, Caterina’s insider knowledge and unwavering dedication will ensure that you find the perfect place to call home. She understands that the home-buying process can be both exciting and daunting, which is why she is committed to providing personalized guidance every step of the way.

When you choose Caterina as your agent, you can expect:

Tailored Guidance: Caterina takes the time to understand your unique preferences and priorities, ensuring that every property she presents aligns with your vision for the ideal home.

Local Expertise: As a native Upper East Sider and proud resident of Williamsburg, Caterina has firsthand knowledge of the area’s real estate market trends, hidden gems, and upcoming developments, giving you a valuable edge in your property search.

Fashion-Forward Insights: Drawing from her background in the fashion industry, Caterina has a discerning eye for design and aesthetics, helping you envision the full potential of each property you consider.

Strong Negotiation Skills: With a focus on advocating for her buyers, Caterina leverages her negotiation expertise to secure the best possible terms and ensure that you receive exceptional value for your investment.

Mindfulness, Seamless Experience: From scheduling property viewings to navigating the paperwork, Caterina’s proactive approach and attention to detail ensure that the entire home-buying process is efficient and transparent. She understands the buying and selling process can be quite stressful so she incorporates mindfulness into the forefront when navigating her clients through the process of buying or selling their dream home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Caterina Leaness is committed to making your real estate journey in NYC both rewarding and enjoyable. Discover the perfect New York City home with a trusted partner by your side. Get in touch with Caterina Leaness today and take the first step towards finding your ideal urban sanctuary.

Alina Pogorelova

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Alina Pogorelova is a member of the Morrel Hirsch & Advisors team in the Christie’s International Real Estate Group. Morrel Hirsch is one of the leading brokerages in the New York area, and has transacted over $3.5 billion in sales to date.

Alina knows that being an excellent real estate advisor takes more than just an understanding of the market, it also requires an understanding of the unique needs of each client. Her combination of clear communication, effective negotiating skills, and sheer tenacity makes her the ultimate advocate for her clients. Aided by her degree in business management and finance, studying Artificial Intelligence at MIT Slone, and ten years of experience selling New York real estate, Alina provides the expertise required to achieve the best price for her seller clients and to find the perfect primary home, investment property, or pied-a-terre for her buyers.

Alina joined Morrel Hirsch & Advisors after several years at another two top New York real estate firms. She has specialized in finding and selling unique properties, such as the famed Halston House, which she helped to sell in 2019. By making inroads into the art and entertainment worlds, she has come to represent a number of celebrity clients who value her discretion as well as her skill. She is a resident of both New York City and Miami, where she owns and manages residential and commercial properties.

Alina began her career as Chief Operations Manager of an international company specializing in luxury kitchen appliances, acting as a liaison with architects, designers, builders, interior decorators, and other professionals involved in home construction and remodeling. This experience in project management for home renovations has proved invaluable to her real estate clients.

Born in Ukraine and raised in New York, Alina is fluent in English and Russian. An active supporter of the Russian community in the United States, she works closely with the Russian American Foundation to promote economic, social development, culture, and well-being within the Russian-speaking community in New York and the greater United States.

Gal Yehzkel

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Gal specializes in sales and rentals of apartments as well as multi-unit properties in Manhattan. He started his real estate career in Los Angeles where he specialized in sales of multi-family apartment buildings in the San Fernando Valley.

Gal capitalizes on his unique analytical skills and familiarity with submarket to provide his clients with keen insight into market trends. Gal was born in Los Angeles but moved to Israel when he was thirteen years of age. As an adult, he served three years in the Israeli Marines, particularly the Navy Seals unit. His time in the military has helped to develop his professionalism, accurateness, motivation and dedication in everything he commits to doing. A graduate from Reichman University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management with concentration in Finance, Gal enjoys playing the piano in his free time, tennis, pickleball, cooking, spending quality time with family and friends and traveling. He is also fluent in Hebrew.