Leadership extends beyond our professional roles. Staying connected, giving back, and supporting our communities allows us to make a meaningful impact beyond the work we do every day.

Many people only see lawyers during the final stages of a transaction. What are some behind-the-scenes aspects of your work that people may be surprised to learn about?

The work of a real estate lawyer begins long before anyone sits down to sign documents. Much of my role involves identifying and resolving potential issues early by reviewing title searches, environmental reports, zoning compliance, and tenant estoppels. Another significant part of my practice focuses on negotiating lender requirements for funding and navigating the city's requirements for development projects and permits.

What often surprises people is how much negotiation happens right up until closing. Due diligence can uncover unexpected challenges, from lease or survey issues to financing delays that put timelines at risk. Behind the scenes, I work to bring together different priorities, balance competing interests, and find practical solutions that help keep transactions moving forward. Getting a project to the finish line is a true team effort—a carefully orchestrated collaboration among city staff, engineers, architects, developers, and lawyers, all working together toward a successful finale.

Most clients never see this orchestration behind the scenes, but it's often what makes a successful closing possible—and one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is knowing that the collaboration helped bring a client's vision to life.

What trends or changes are you currently seeing in commercial real estate that professionals should be paying closer attention to?

One of the biggest shifts I'm seeing is how interest rate volatility and tighter lending conditions are changing deal structures. Purchasers are seeking longer due diligence periods and more flexible financing terms, while sellers are placing greater emphasis on buyer qualification. Developers in market housing face their own challenges, as the numbers simply aren't working for starting new real estate projects in the current environment. There has also been a significant shift in funding for non-market housing, which is mainly operated by not-for-profit organizations. These organizations face ongoing funding challenges for operations and new projects.

I'm also seeing continued changes in how commercial spaces are being used, including office repositioning, mixed-use opportunities, and continued demand for industrial and logistics properties. Environmental due diligence and sustainability requirements are also becoming increasingly important. These trends are influencing deal timelines, financing, and long-term asset value, making them important for professionals to watch.

From a legal perspective, what are some key elements that contribute to a successful project or strong client relationship?

The foundation of a strong client relationship is taking the time to understand a client's business, goals, and approach to risk. Every client is different, and my role is to align the legal strategy with their broader commercial objectives.

Successful projects also depend on understanding the stakeholders, financing, regulatory considerations, and timelines involved. The best outcomes come from combining legal expertise with a practical understanding of the client's business goals, knowing when to address risks, when to negotiate, and when to find alternative solutions.

Ultimately, clients want a lawyer who understands their business, not just the legal documents.

You have remained actively involved in professional and community initiatives alongside your practice. Why has giving back and staying connected to the industry community remained important to you?

I've always believed in staying connected to the community and giving back in meaningful ways. Through volunteering and serving on boards and committees, I've had the opportunity to support causes that matter while learning from the people around me. Some of the organizations and roles I've been involved with include:

This work has been a meaningful reminder that leadership extends beyond our professional roles. It's about building connections, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the communities that shape us; making a positive impact and helping create stronger communities for everyone.

What inspired you to join WICRE, and what has being part of this community meant to you?

The opportunity to connect with a community that truly understands the unique experiences of women in commercial real estate was what first drew me to WICRE. This industry can be demanding, and having a network of women who support one another, whether through mentorship, referrals, or simply sharing experiences, makes a meaningful difference.

What has meant the most to me is seeing how WICRE brings together women at every stage of their careers and creates opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. It's inspiring to be surrounded by women who are building businesses, closing complex deals, and leading in their fields.

Being part of WICRE has reinforced my belief that when women support women, we all rise. It's about more than professional advancement; it's about building meaningful relationships and contributing to a community where we can learn from and support one another.