2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Brian Peykar, Brach Eichler LLC

“What makes Brian Peykar a Rising Star is his talent, skill, and unmatched dedication to client success. Mr. Peykar represents real estate developers, investors, and lenders in a range of commercial real estate transactions, including multifamily, office, industrial, and retail projects in New Jersey and New York. He has extensive knowledge and experience working in real estate development, real estate finance and asset purchases and sales. A consummate dealmaker, respected legal mind, and dedicated community servant, Peykar’s extraordinary career makes him a standout candidate for Rising Star.” - Lori Maltzman, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Brach Eichler.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? One challenge I have faced has been navigating complex multi-party development deals with multiple layers of ownership, governmental approvals, and environmental issues. It taught me the importance of proactive communication and that legal strategy isn’t just about risk mitigation but about facilitating forward momentum. By keeping all the parties informed, anticipating concerns, being flexible in negotiation, I was able to close the transaction on time. It also strengthened my ability to balance legal precision with business practicability.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Commercial real estate isn’t just about understanding the legalese, it’s about understating the client’s business goals behind the transactions. Learn how commercial real estate developers, investors, and lenders think and what drives their decision-making. The more you understand the business perspective, the better you’ll be able to advise your clients.

Who has been pivotal in your professional development, and how have they influenced you? My mentor Alan Hammer, Esq. in commercial real estate law played a pivotal role in shaping both my technical skills and my broader approach to client relationships. When I first started out, I was focused primarily on the legal technicalities — terms of contracts, nuances in lease agreements, and the specifics of property law. However, my mentor helped me expand my perspective beyond just the legal details and showed me how to think strategically about deals.