2021 Women in Professional Services: Jacquelyn Mascetti, Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne, LLP

Name: Jacquelyn Mascetti, Esq.

Title: Associate

Company Name: Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne, LLP

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:

• Suffolk County Bar Association Tax Certiorari & Condemnation Committee
• Suffolk County Bar Association Women in Tax Certiorari & Condemnation Subcommittee

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
Aside from being a working mother of a newborn and toddler during a pandemic, I am most proud of being a co-chair on the Suffolk County Bar Association Tax Certiorari & Condemnation committee and the newly formed Women in Tax Certiorari & Condemnation subcommittee. The subcommittee was formed at the urging of the Hon. John Leo, J.S.C., Suffolk County, and Jay Herman, Esq., senior partner, Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne, LLP, both of whom introduced the idea during a committee meeting. We held our first subcommittee meeting in February with a successful turnout that included many attorneys and appraisers. We will be using the group to mentor other women in the real estate industry and discuss issues facing working mothers and equity in the workplace.

What steps have you taken to ensure the continued success of your firm?
I am continually considering whether a process we have implemented can be improved or become more efficient. Since we are working remotely, problematic procedures are occasionally emphasized. When I notice something that we can do better, I try to offer a solution or ask to have a discussion about it even if it is outside of the scope of what I normally handle.

Women have made significant progress in the last year towards equality in the workplace. How do you advocate for your fellow women in real estate?
I believe just being a female attorney who practices in tax certiorari and condemnation is itself advocacy for other females in real estate. Sometimes I am the only female in the courtroom other than the court reporter and I am aware of that. By being prepared and advocating for my client to the best of my ability, I try to demonstrate to other female attorneys that they can also practice in this area of law.

Why should women consider a career in commercial real estate and related services?
Tax certiorari and condemnation law is a small, unique area of real estate law practice. I work on a majority of the litigation at our firm, and even though it is a specialized practice area, it still provides the same opportunities and challenges as other types of litigation. It is also something that provides more work-life balance due to the nature of the filings.

How have you adapted and changed in the last 12 months?
Before the pandemic, I used email as my default method of communication because we were in the office and able to communicate in person. Now, I receive and send hundreds of emails each day, and many times, it is just easier to pick up the phone or schedule a Zoom call instead. Sometimes more context is needed than what a quick email response can provide. There are still many times where a quick email response is more effective than being in person or on a call, but I have definitely increased how frequently I make phone calls.

What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?
I have had “Own It: The Power of Women at Work” by Sallie Krawcheck in my Amazon cart for months, which was recommended to me. I follow a lot of influencers on social media, but Sarah LaFleur and her company MMLaFleur provide a lot of inspiration with their clothing and messages.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
Our entire office is really a team. We are all working toward the same goal of providing the best outcome for our clients. I try to keep members of our firm motivated by listening and responding and making them feel valued. I also try to praise and thank a person when he or she does a good job.