2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Stuart Saft, Holland & Knight

Recent goal and impact: 

When I joined Holland & Knight in 2012, it had a five-person New York real estate practice and would give me what I needed to grow the practice, an offer that was too good to be true. Today, slightly less than 13 years after my arrival, our New York real estate, real estate capital markets, and construction practices consist of 60 lawyers. In 2024, our numbers were extraordinary; Holland & Knight closed more than $11 billion in real estate transactions and is involved in most major NYC real estate transactions. I am looking for forward to seeing what we can do during the next 13.

Sharing knowledge and expertise: 

I review virtually every piece of legislation affecting real estate that is introduced in the state legislature, the city council and frequently congress, and prepare alerts advising my clients and others what is contained in the bill and its real world significance. Having practiced for so long and been privy to all sorts of crises, I have insight on the damage that can be caused by some of these bills.

Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor? 

My father, Stanley Saft, a medic and ambulance driver during World War II.