2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Saadia Ghazi, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

“Saadia Ghazi stands out for her rare combination of technical depth and commercial judgment. She leads complex CMBS servicing matters with clarity and calm, earns the trust of clients and colleagues, and elevates those around her through thoughtful mentorship. Her work consistently advances client objectives while strengthening our firm’s profile in the commercial real estate industry.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I was initially drawn to transactional law for its pace and problem‑solving, but I gravitated toward commercial real estate finance because of how directly legal structuring impacts deal outcomes. Starting in corporate work gave me a strong foundation, and I later focused on CMBS and servicing matters, where I could combine that background with real asset complexity. That path ultimately led me to my current role advising servicers and lenders on structured finance and high‑stakes servicing transactions.

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

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is leading a master servicer through a first‑of‑its‑kind preferred equity investment within a complex securitization. The transaction required bridging corporate and CMBS frameworks while navigating novel structural issues and multiple stakeholders. Seeing the deal close successfully, and knowing it created a practical roadmap for similar transactions, was especially rewarding because it delivered both immediate client value and broader market impact.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?

I’m grateful to have learned from mentors who emphasized that credibility is built on judgment, not just technical skill. One piece of advice that has stayed with me is not just to identify problems, but to go a step further in offering solutions. That mindset has shaped how I approach complex servicing matters, particularly when clients are facing pressure and uncertainty. It also guides how I work with teams by encouraging thoughtful, solution‑oriented thinking rather than simply escalating issues.

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

I see continued evolution in how the market approaches servicing, workouts, and capital structure solutions, particularly in response to interest rate pressure and regulatory focus. Transactions are becoming more bespoke, whether through preferred equity structures or creative modifications. That creates an opportunity for advisors who can connect the legal and commercial sides of a deal and think holistically about outcomes. The ability to navigate complexity while offering practical, business‑minded guidance will define leadership in this space.