How many years have you been in the commercial real estate industry?

I have been working as a permitting and land use attorney since 2009, but I worked on political campaigns in various roles for three years between college and law school. Given the close cross over between politics and the permitting world, I view both experiences as very relevant to my practice today. My first legal job was at Goodwin Procter where I practiced for nearly twelve years, and I have been a partner at Sullivan & Worcester for just over over three years now, where I lead our Permitting & Land Use and our Energy, Infrastructure & Climate Change practice groups.

What motivates you?  

Problem solving. In law school, we are taught to “issue spot”, and I do that every day now. Whether it’s finding the right (or good enough) box for a certain use to fit into and then advocating for that with a municipality, or trying to resolve a particularly sticky easement issue. I will admit that I have been known to shoot my arm in the air and yell “yes!” (to myself) when I am able to get to the answer I was hoping for.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering CRE?

Be confident, and relatedly, if you have to, fake it till you make it.  In my world, I see too many young lawyers who have the tendency to hedge when offering advice. Take a position! Your client wants advice and guidance, not a list of options.

What’s your favorite thing about real estate?  

The interdisciplinary nature of the process and the practice, and of course, the ultimate end result. Working in CRE, we all get to enjoy the fruits of our labors in the most concrete and exceptional way.  The built environment can be beautiful and awe inspiring – it certainly is to me.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

Being referred to as a “consigliere” by my clients.  I am – and want to be – a valuable advisor. To do that I need to learn the business of my clients, I need to learn about my client themselves – their individual risk tolerance, their goals, their pain points. My job is to help, and to find a way to answer any question that is asked of me. Even “what should I wear to that meeting? Tie or no tie?”

Why do you find ULI valuable?

The opportunity to sit in a room with all sorts of experts who work in the same field, but come to the table with a different perspective. Participating for years and now co-chairing the Boston Market Product Council has been an invaluable learning experience for me. ULI is a great convener.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to now?

I mostly read or watch snippets of what my 4 year old daughter is interested in. She (we) are very into “Bluey” right now on Disney+.  It’s basically the modern version of Mister Rodgers tackling actually important life and emotional issues for kids, but in the form of a family of funny blue heeler dogs.  When I listen, it’s all about guilty pleasure pop music. One day last summer when I was walking across the Moakley Bridge on my way to work I was listening to “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus at full volume and I actually started to dance, because…why not?

What are you looking forward to?  

A full night of sleep.