2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Diana Brummer, Goodwin Procter LLP

“Diana Brummer is a leader at Goodwin, serving as Partner and Chair of the Real Estate Industry Group. For 25+ years, she has guided clients through complex transactions including financings, joint ventures, workouts and restructurings. A natural leader and mentor, she is known for her strategic mindset and commitment to developing the next generation of real estate lawyers.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

Along with my partner Adam Kopald, I co-led the Goodwin team that advised Newbond Holdings on the $408 million acquisition of two of San Francisco’s largest and most recognizable hotels: the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 San Francisco – A Hilton Hotel. I focused on the loan restructuring and assumption that was a key condition to the closing. I’m proud to have helped our client achieve this landmark deal in November 2025 — a highly structured transaction that was the largest hotel trade in the history of San Francisco and is part of the comeback story of downtown San Francisco.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

During the pandemic, I started walking Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It remains my near-daily habit. 

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

My key advice is to lean into your authentic self. Over the course of my career, I’ve seen Commercial Real Estate become more diverse—not only in the people entering the industry, but also in the range of investment activities and opportunities. For any emerging professional aspiring to lead and help advance all forms of diversity in real estate, your authentic voice and perspective is one of your greatest strengths in building relationships and connecting with people in a genuine way.