Cortese of Loeb & Loeb: Works on many dynamic transactions

Name: Nichole D. Cortese Title: Partner Company Name Loeb & Loeb LLP Follow my company on Twitter @ Loeb_LoebLLP What year did you start your career in commercial real estate: 2004 Real Estate Associations/Organizations: New York State Bar Association, Real Estate Section NYC Real Estate Network What recent project or transaction are you most proud of? I've had the opportunity to work on many dynamic and interesting office and retail leasing transactions. Most recently, I've enjoyed representing Brookfield Properties as it upgrades and leases the building at 450 West 33rd St., otherwise known as 5 Manhattan West. Over the course of the last 18 months, I've had the opportunity to help our client meet the challenges of both negotiating with its existing tenants to pave the way for expansive renovation (including lobby reconstruction, the addition of elevator shafts, upgrades to the building systems and the complete replacement of the building's façade), and leasing space to eager tenants (including a 175,000 s/f lease to R/GA Media Group and a lease expansion and extension with the City of New York involving 250,000 s/f). A few years ago, in 2009, I also had the unique opportunity to work with Raymond Sanseverino representing Willis Group in its lease of office space at 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, Illinois, a complex and interesting transaction which resulted in the renaming of the Sears Tower. What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why? In 2014, I was promoted to the partnership at Loeb & Loeb LLP, which has meant a great deal to me, because I have tremendous respect for my colleagues and I am proud to be part of our real estate team. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? Although she does not work in real estate, my mother has been the strongest influence on my career. She taught me everything I know about strength, integrity, determination and selflessness, and I try to apply those principles to my work, as well as to all other aspects of my life. What is the first thing you do when you arrive in the office in the morning? The day usually starts with a cup of coffee. What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? I maintain (and continually update) a detailed task lists so that I can prioritize and keep track of everything that needs to be done. What is the best advice you have received and who was it from? The best professional advice I've received was from Ray Sanseverino, who told me not to do tomorrow what can be done today and not to ever take a client for granted. A close second is advice I received from my father, who told me not to ever put my name on anything that I couldn't be proud of. List 3 women that you would like to have drinks / dinner with and where would you go? Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Mother Teresa; drinks at a rooftop bar in NYC What is your favorite quote? There are so many great quotes, and I'm not sure that I have a favorite, but this one is pretty good: "Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching." - Randall G. Leighton 7. What did you want to be when you grew up? I always thought I'd be an English teacher.