2025 Women in CRE: Lydia Chesnick, Bernkopf

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? As a commercial real estate attorney, I frequently work with multi-generational commercial real estate development companies that have been loyal clients for decades. I have the honor of working with the family of one of my most inspirational mentors early in my career, who generously shared his legal brilliance and advocated for my professional growth. I’m currently involved with the disposition and transition of his assets in a way that aligns with his family’s goals. I enjoy the special relationships forged with my clients and feel privileged to work with extraordinary families.

What’s a challenge you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome it? I began my career at a time when few women held leadership roles in the commercial real estate and legal industries. As one of a handful of women associates, it was challenging to enter rooms unaccustomed to having women at the table. Without a road map or women mentors to help navigate this landscape, my approach was to just find a chair and sit down. I’m known for my mantra: disregard perceived barriers and forge ahead. Progress has been made but more is needed, with the National Association for Law Placement reporting that, as of 2024, only 28.83% of law firm partners were women.