2024 Ones to Watch Industry Leaders: Michael Werner, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

“Mike is a trusted counselor to our top-tier commercial real estate clients on their most significant matters, including playing a leading role in MetroLoft and Silverstein’s JV to convert 55 Broad St. into luxury apartments, multiple transactions for Google and various deals to develop the Williamsburg waterfront. Mike over the years has emerged as a leader of our practice group which has recently been reflected by him being elevated to the position of Deputy Co-Chair of the department together with his colleague Laurinda Martins. They are the next generation of leaders of the #1 Real Estate Practice in NYC.” - Jonathan Mechanic, Partner and Chair of Real Estate Department at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP.

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? Our work advising MetroLoft and Silverstein’s JV on its acquisition and loan to convert an office tower at 55 Broad St. into a 571-unit apartment building. This complex transaction involved various practices across the firm, showcasing our diverse expertise. I am proud we were able to achieve a fabulous result for our clients while helping create housing that NYC needs. Separately, I am proud to have been named Deputy Co-Chair of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department alongside Laurinda Martins.

In the last 12 months what was one of the biggest challenges you faced as a leader and how did you overcome it? With many properties in default, I have had to advise clients and help them decide on the best path forward, particularly for those who have never faced recourse before or had to hand back the keys on a property. Our clients have traditionally turned to us as trusted advisors to help them balance risk management with economic recovery.

Best advice for new leaders: The best leaders are point guards – they earn their team’s respect and trust by making everyone around them look good and be their absolute best.