2025 Women in CRE: Amy Oakley, Esq., Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? The most rewarding projects have been multi-family housing deals I closed over a decade ago and continue to counsel today. Guiding them through each phase – from acquisition and financing to construction, lease-up, and now reaching the point of potential sale – has been deeply meaningful. The long-term continuity, overcoming challenges, and seeing these communities thrive remains a true highlight of my career.

What drew you to commercial real estate, and what keeps you passionate? I focus on real estate, finance, and tax credits, with a practice centered on revitalizing historic sites, creating market-rate and affordable housing, and transforming contaminated properties into usable spaces. Federal and Massachusetts state tax credits – Historic Rehabilitation, Housing Development Incentive, Low-Income Housing, and Brownfields – drive economic growth, preserve heritage, and improve communities. Knowing my work helps shape sustainable, equitable neighborhoods is deeply rewarding.

What’s a challenge you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome it? Early in my career as a young female attorney, I had to earn the role of “trusted advisor” to convince clients that I could lead the transaction without partner support, especially handling sometimes tense negotiations. To overcome this, I worked on building a strong professional reputation by consistently demonstrating my expertise, responsiveness and professionalism. Over time, this earned me respect, and my work began to speak for itself.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate? To young women aspiring to enter real estate law: You may face bias or obstacles, but resilience is key. Stay focused on your goals, maintain confidence in your abilities, and persevere through setbacks. You will gain the most experience from navigating difficult deals. This path has been incredibly rewarding, and with the right skills, support network, and determination, you can also thrive in this dynamic and impactful field.