2024 Women in CRE: Allison Fleet, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is the concrete way in which I am able to see the work I was involved with come to life as the landscape around me physically changes. Whether it is the revitalization of an old strip mall or breaking ground on a new development, having a small role in those transactions is so meaningful to me. Recently, I worked on a land acquisition for a local charter school which will enable the school the space to expand and create an outdoor play area for its students, which the school previously did not have. I am proud to have been able to assist, in a small part, with bettering student life at the school by assisting with this expansion. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in commercial real estate? Being a woman in a male-dominated industry can come with its challenges. The most frequent situation I have encountered is people assuming I am more junior than I am, or that I am the paralegal on a transaction instead of the attorney. A simple statement correcting the assumption and moving on is generally the best way I’ve found to handle such encounters. 

What is your vision for the future of women in commercial real estate? I would love to see the number of women in the commercial real estate sphere grow exponentially. I hope we can all work to make commercial real estate a welcoming and exciting profession for women. 

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to enter commercial real estate? Reach out to women you see in the space and ask to meet for coffee or lunch. Come prepared with questions to learn more about the commercial real estate world. Be eager, be passionate, be knowledgeable, and most of all, be kind.