2017 Women in Professional Services: Leslie Feifer of Jaspan Schlesinger LLP

Name: Leslie Feifer

Title: Partner

Company Name: Jaspan Schlesinger LLP                 

Years in real estate: 20

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? New York State Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career? Persistence, hard work, staying up to date on current trends, maintaining expertise in my field and always willing to learn and/or try something new have always aided me in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in my career.  I am fortunate to be associated with a firm made up of attorneys in varying disciplines who possess expertise in multiple fields. This added resource enables me to address many issues, concerns or conflicts that come my way.  

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? In the transaction world I have found it is easier to work with people that you like  so it is important to get off on a good foot. Everyone appreciates timely replies, returning phone calls, being on time and providing accurate information.  I always confirm that my responses are accurate in any matter brought my way and provide the appropriate caveats when there are alternative ways to approach matters. These all come into play in varying scenarios – meeting a new client, beginning a new deal, engaging a new adversary or just making a new introduction.

What trends are you seeing so far this year? On the residential side, inventory seems to be limited and thus, bidding wars have ensued. I have seen purchasers agree to accept certain items that I have not seen in some time, to wit, accepting encroachments on property acquired; agreeing to purchase property subject to missing building permits; minimal negotiation for repairs to a home after an engineer’s report has been completed. I have also seen more boundary line agreements required to clear fence/out of possession issues. 

What do you do for fun? Travel, spend time with my nephews, attend kickboxing and jazzercise classes and spend time with family and friends.