2025 Year in Review: Cynthia Mitchell, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

What transaction, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New York CRE market this year? A notable moment for Seyfarth and New York’s CRE market this year was Storage Post’s $110 million acquisition of three self-storage facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn out of bankruptcy — one of which Law360 highlighted among that week’s largest transactions. These deals underscore the consistent demand for self-storage in dense urban areas and illustrate how investors are turning to specialized asset classes to diversify and strengthen portfolios amid evolving market conditions.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? AI-driven innovation will continue shaping real estate law and deal execution. Seyfarth’s investment in practice-specific AI tools such as Orbital creates efficiencies in contract review, due diligence, and compliance, enabling faster, more accurate transactions in complex markets like New York. As stakeholders seek speed and precision amid evolving regulations and localized challenges, firms leveraging AI will gain a competitive edge. This shift enables us to deliver greater value via data-driven insights and streamlined processes, transforming how high-stakes deals are structured and closed.