2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Matthew Aldana, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson LLP

“Matt’s ability to strategically navigate unique and complex transactions with creativity has made him a trusted advisor to some of the most significant players in commercial real estate on their transactions. He is a key member of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department and we are thrilled to have Matt on our team.” - Laurinda Martins, Partner and Co-Chair of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson LLP.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? Most recently, I advised Brookfield on its joint venture with an Asian sovereign wealth fund to acquire Meguro Gajoen, a 1.5 million s/f, grade A office and hotel complex in Central Tokyo, Japan. This complex, global transaction required navigating various jurisdictions and a challenging global market. It was incredibly fulfilling to help our client reach the finish line, especially for a cultural landmark like Meguro Gajoen.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? It’s important to stay flexible and open-minded, learning as much as you can about the different aspects of the industry to figure out which parts click most with your own personality and skillset. Mentors are incredibly important as well. Seek out seasoned professionals who are doing the thing that you want to do, learn everything you can from their wisdom and experiences, and make the most of whatever opportunities they give you.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? Advising RXR Realty on its joint venture with TF Cornerstone for their development of 175 Park, a planned 1,575-ft.-tall tower totaling more than 2 million s/f, which will involve the expansion of Grand Central Station. This complex transaction required entering into a joint venture years in advance of knowing what would be built, or how the project would be shaped by all of the different players involved (including the MTA, Hyatt Hotels, hotel unions, and various city agencies). It taught me the importance of approaching projects creatively to get the job done. It’s not always “one size, fits all” in real estate.