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Posted: April 16, 2019
2019 Ones to Watch: Karen Rodgers, Garfunkel Wild, P.C.
Name: Karen Rodgers
Title: Partner/Director
Company Name: Garfunkel Wild, P.C.
Year that you entered your current field? 1999
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment in the past 12 months?
In the last 12 months I closed on a significant multi-state skilled nursing and adult care portfolio which involved extensive private equity partnerships and a bridge to HUD financing format. The transaction involved some of the most interesting real property title and zoning encumbrances that I experienced in all of my career so the fact that we were able to strategize solutions and find a path to closing was a rewarding accomplishment.
What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry?
Think outside of the box. I think too often, as lawyers, we see risk and liability and accept these as obstacles to a successful transaction, when in fact, there are often creative solutions and unique partnerships that can overcome. It is important to be a facilitator rather than an obstructionist in order to reach a successful outcome for all parties.
Who are some leaders that you admire and why?
Obviously Ruth Bader Ginsberg. I studied with her during my second year of law school in Nice, France and her powerful intellect mixed with her slight stature embodied a strength that was truly inspiring. ?
Who or what do you attribute to your success?
Great partnerships. Working hand in hand with some of the most respected, professional and intellectual talents in the industry to facilitate these transactions has been both educational and supportive.
If you have a mentor, who is it and how have they influenced your personal & professional growth?
I can’t say that I’ve had a single mentor, my influences have been vast ranging from college professors to Supreme Court Justices. I think I take pieces from inspiring people and patch them together in a way that provides me with guidance through the more challenging aspects of my job.
How have your life experiences impacted who you are professionally?
Recently, having experienced a number of elderly family members who required significant asisted living, home and skilled nursing care, I think I am more aware of the operational facets of my client’s day to day business matters.
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