Robin Levitt Topol, Butzel Long, P.C.

Name: Robin Levitt Topol Company/Firm: Butzel Long, p.c. Years with firm: 3 Years in real estate industry: 25 Years in field: 25 Address: 380 Madison Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212 818 1110 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.butzel.com/ Real estate organizations/affiliations: WX, American Bar Association What is your greatest professional accomplishment in 2010? I was elected Shareholder in 2010, having been a partner at my previous two law firms. During this year, I spoke on real estate panels at several venues, both in New York and Washington D.C. regarding the state of the real estate industry and the options available to landlords and tenants concerning their leases. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2010? I represent the landlord of 850 Third Ave. in Manhattan. We successfully leased in excess of 200,000 s/f of office space completing 25 leases over the last 12 months. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? I originate business not only in my area of expertise, real estate, but also in the areas of litigation, corporate transactions and trademark and employment law. I work closely with my colleagues throughout the firm and enjoy working as a team. I contribute to the real estate industry by speaking on various panels and participating in seminars. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? I would advice women starting out to find someone with whom they can work well such as a mentor, senior partner or advisor. I would suggest they work closely and learn as much as possible in as many different areas of their practice. How do you manage the work/life balance? The balance between work/life is a matter of giving certain areas priorities at different times in your life. When you first start out, it's important to focus on your career and to work as diligently as possible. When you have a family, it becomes more of a matter of shifting priorities, from time to time. It is most important to be organized and efficient, but also to find time to exercise every day. It helps to have a supportive work and home environment. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? I have been fortunate to have worked with many talented people, including senior partners, clients and real estate brokers all of whom contributed to my knowledge and experience in a different but important way. What impact has social networking had on your business? Social networking provides a wide reach, however I find personal contact is still the most important element in meeting people and growing my business.