‘Find Your Voice’: Honoring Women In CRE At Bisnow’s Dec. 4 Event

As commercial real estate continues working to bring more women into the board and C-suite, Bisnow is doing its part to recognize and celebrate select trailblazers who have made their mark in the industry.

On Dec. 4, Bisnow’s New York Power Women event will bring together female leaders of some of the most prominent CRE companies in New York City. These professionals are paving the way for others as they achieve success in the industry.

Click here to register and purchase tickets.

Among the honorees is Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Deputy Presiding Partner Nicole Mesard, who is also a partner at the law firm’s real estate group and helps lead the firm's talent initiatives. In a conversation with Bisnow, Mesard, who is a mentor honoree at the Power Women event, emphasized that women need to trust that they deserve their place in the room and always prepare to contribute to the discussion.

“In the commercial real estate business, you're going to be in a lot of meetings, and when you look around, you might not see a lot of women or a lot of women in senior roles,” she said. “You need to find your voice in those rooms.”

Mesard discussed her interests and notable accomplishments in CRE law and shared the advice she would give to women starting out in the industry.

Bisnow: How did you get into the law and what drew you to real estate law specifically? 

Mesard: I had always wanted to be a lawyer, and since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a corporate lawyer. I was interested in working in a field where I was tasked with problem-solving in a creative way and could combine my love of writing with my math skills. I also loved the idea of being in a boardroom, helping senior executives make decisions on how to implement their strategies and manage risk. 

What drew me to real estate law was being able to put all of that together, and to be part of an industry that is iconic in New York. At Debevoise, we do many different kinds of deals – from buying and selling real estate to joint ventures to financings. I found it fascinating when I started, and I still do. Being nimble, advising a variety of clients and moving in and out of different kinds of deals while focusing on an industry – it’s all very exciting for me.

Bisnow: What were some professional experiences and accomplishments that shaped your career?

Mesard: Since the terrible tragedy of 9/11, I have been involved in two major deals in the World Trade Center area that were defining moments in my career and taught me a great deal about real estate and New York City. 

The first was in the early 2000s when I represented the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey  in the long-term net lease of the World Trade Center to Silverstein Properties and Westfield, now Unibail-Rodamco Westfield. It was one of the most significant real estate deals of its time.

The second deal also involved Unibail-Rodamco Westfield, and was for the redevelopment of the shopping mall under the World Trade Center that was destroyed on 9/11. That transaction involved the state, the city and a number of private developers. It was complicated, but I learned a lot about how real estate deals get done, and it was especially meaningful due to the importance of the site.

I have also grown my career by seeking out leadership roles at the firm. For instance, for many years I co-led the firm’s corporate department along with a brilliant mergers and acquisitions partner, Jeff Rosen. This experience provided opportunities to learn from him and from other practice groups, since my role required me to understand the work being performed in those groups and their business strategies.

It was challenging, but I learned a ton about what drives private capital, and specifically private equity, and it helped me gain the experience and relationships I needed to pursue even bigger goals, including becoming the first woman deputy presiding partner at the firm. 

Bisnow: What are some opportunities that Debevoise & Plimpton provides for women?

Mesard: Women hold many leadership positions throughout the firm. We co-chair practice groups and industry groups, oversee important firm initiatives and hold senior executive roles, including as the firm’s chief technology officer and chief marketing officer.    

To support women at Debevoise, we have a women's resource group, which offers mentoring, networking and career-building opportunities and ensures that the interests and needs of its members continue to be championed and prioritized. More broadly, we sponsor professional development and networking events, such as the Corporate Counsel Women of Color conference, as well as two organizations – DirectWomen and Catalyst – which support women on boards and general advocacy.

One of our more unique initiatives is the Debevoise Women’s Review, a first-of-its-kind online platform intended to inspire the legal and business communities to discuss and advance gender diversity. Unlike traditional marketing platforms, the Review is edited and overseen almost entirely by Debevoise associates, which allows for authentic perspectives. 

Bisnow: What advice would you give to women starting careers in law?

Mesard: First is to always be prepared. Speaking off the cuff in a meeting can be difficult and intimidating, particularly if you’re one of the only women there and are one of the more junior folks at a meeting. I enter a room prepared with questions, ideas and suggestions, and I am ready to pivot if needed. 

My other piece of advice is to believe in yourself. You bring something unique and important to every meeting you’re in or you wouldn’t be there. Use those opportunities to find your voice and add value. Without finding your voice, it's hard to get to that next level.

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and Debevoise & Plimpton. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.