2024 Women in CRE: Krystyna Blakeslee, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’ve had many deals this year that I’m proud of, including representing a mezzanine lender in the origination of $1.2 billion in mortgage and mezzanine loans for a research and development project in San Diego, CA, as well as restructuring and exercising remedies on a $1.2 billion construction project. I also represented a lender syndicate in a $680 million construction loan for a development project in Cambridge, MA, and lenders in the origination of a $500 million mortgage loan secured by 43 properties.

What are the most important factors young women should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with? 

Young women should strive to find opportunities where they’re able to find balance. When I transitioned from a military career in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I served in Iraq, to a demanding legal career, I had to embody resilience and leadership during that shift. Balancing professional responsibilities with motherhood has been another challenge, one that is rewarding, but requires that same resiliency.