2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Julia Lee, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

“Julia is the type of colleague that you want to have, professionally and personally. Before I worked with her, she was my adversary in court. I knew then, she was diligent and dedicated. Now we are fortunate to have her on our side! Julia comes to work every morning with an industrious mindset. She is willing to get her hands dirty on matters large and small. In her time with the practice, she has developed a sterling reputation with adversaries, judges and clients.” 

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of helping CRE owners, developers and REITs achieve meaningful reductions in their real estate tax burden. These savings can improve asset performance, increase value and create opportunities for reinvestment. The work is especially gratifying because no two properties are the same. Each tax challenge requires a thorough understanding of the property, the market and the factors driving value. Seeing the direct impact that my efforts have on a client’s ability to grow, invest and succeed is what continues to make this work so rewarding.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

Commercial real estate is undergoing constant change, driven by e-commerce, evolving work patterns and shifting consumer demand. These challenges can create opportunities for owners who can reposition assets via adaptive reuse or redevelopment. Equally important is controlling expenses through tax appeals, incentives and exemptions. Owners who stay flexible, identify value opportunities early and proactively manage costs will be best positioned to succeed in any market cycle.