Dennis Russo, BakerHostetler

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? My team and I joined BakerHostetler. Through this transition, we've broadened the areas of expertise the firm can offer our clients. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? We advised our long-standing client, Sherwood Equities, Inc., in connection with its $200 million sale of almost half of the block between 34th and 35th Streets and 10th Avenue, in Manhattan's Hudson Yards district, to Tishman Speyer. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? Our goal is to expand the real estate group here in NY while utilizing our national footprint of over 50 real estate professionals in 14 offices to offer our clients cost effective representation. We look forward to continuing our "partnership" with our clients which includes offering them access to our extensive network of industry connections for potential collaboration. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? Land prices will continue to rise throughout the Tri-State area in 2015 (but not as dramatically as 2014) forcing investors to look outside of Manhattan for economically viable development opportunities. I believe we'll see a wave of interest in previously untapped areas of the outer boroughs.