2021 Ones to Watch: Jacklyn Zitelli, Farrell Fritz, P.C.

Name: Jacklyn Zitelli

Title: Counsel

Company Name: Farrell Fritz, P.C.

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS), Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG), Long Island Professional Women’s Supper Club (LIPWSC)

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
My female colleagues and I launched the Long Island Professional Women’s Supper Club, sponsored by Farrell Fritz, in October of 2019. The mission of LIPWSC is to build meaningful relationships among women in the real estate and finance industries. We had recognized that women network differently and enjoy getting to know each other on a more personal level and in an intimate setting, which can be difficult to achieve at typical real estate networking events that are usually overwhelmingly attended by men. LIPWSC met every month prior to the pandemic, and we have conducted various virtual events to stay connected in the past year and a half.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
I recently joined the Board of Directors of the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center, a not-for-profit mental health agency on Long Island that is dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional well-being of children and families. I am proud to serve such an incredible organization bringing hope and healing to children and families struggling with mental health issues, which is more important than ever in light of an increase in depression and anxiety in children and families as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The work of the Guidance Center is critical in the lives of so many, and as a testament to such important work, the Guidance Center never turns anyone away for the inability to pay.

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?
While I am fortunate to have worked with many intelligent and influential attorneys at Farrell Fritz and at my prior firm, it has been a true privilege to work alongside and learn from John Racanelli at Farrell Fritz over the last 7 ½ years. The combination of his legal knowledge and industry experience allows him to think creatively and practically for clients and offer suggestions and advice in various real estate ventures. He is also professional, level-headed, responsive and good-natured with clients and colleagues alike, which has made him a pleasure to work with and a role model for me as I continue down my career path.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A marine biologist. I am fascinated by the ocean and ocean life.

Top three things on your bucket list:
Go scuba diving; enter a shark cage in the open ocean to see great white sharks; and visit the Great Barrier Reef (note the theme in my response to this question and the prior question…)

Favorite quote:
“To live would be an awfully big adventure.” -J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan