2025 Women in CRE: Kabaye Liku, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why?

It’s hard to choose a single project as the most rewarding, especially when my work involves a diverse group of clients and projects. One that stands out is when I advised Blackstone, as lender, on its $1.8 billion financing for the construction of The Spiral – an iconic super-tall office building in NYC. This transaction marked my transition from only working on CMBS loans to complex construction projects. It was greatly rewarding to see the impact of my work upon completion of the project, and being able to further establish my reputation as a trusted legal advisor in the CRE landscape.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate?

While rapidly changing, the CRE industry feels – and is – predominantly male. This could oftentimes be intimidating for young women entering the industry. My advice to them is to stay the course and there will be space and a career path for them. Focusing on the substance of the job, taking advantage of the available mentoring opportunities and building relationships will be essential to their success.

What skill or quality do you believe is essential for success in your field today?

While negotiation and drafting skills are critical in my line of work, understanding – and the ability to stay abreast of – market trends, anticipating client needs and having a practical perspective on client concerns is essential to providing effective legal counsel in the CRE industry.