Wagner of Kramer Levin details her strongest influence

Name: Elise Wagner Title: Partner Company/firm: Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Years with Company/firm: 7 Years in field: 30 Years in real estate industry: 30 Address: 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 Telephone: 212-715-9189 Email: [email protected] URL: www.kramerlevin.com Real estate organizations/affiliations: WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate; Real Estate Board of New York During the last 10 years of your career, which professional accomplishment, honor or achievement was most meaningful to you and why? I became a partner at Kramer Levin after 18 years of working part-time while I raised my 23 year old twin girls. While working part-time, I continued to represent my clients at the same professional level as if I had been working full time. When my children went away to college, I resumed a full time schedule and was made a partner of the firm. Since that time, I have served as the co Chair of the Building Committee of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, which recently completed a major addition to its Louis Kahn building. Which project, deal or transaction was the 'game changer' in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? I have represented NYU Langone Medical Center in obtaining variances from the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals to permit the implementation of its physical master plan, including a major new hospital building, a cogeneration building, an expanded energy building, and currently, a new scientific research building. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? I am a partner in the Land Use Department and play a critical role in the administration of the department by facilitating communication within the department and acting as a conduit for the needs of associates and special counsel. I am also a member of the firm's Women's Initiatives Committee. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? I would advise women to make and maintain connections with experienced practitioners. How do you manage the work/life balance? I practiced law on a 4 day a week schedule for 18 years until my twin girls graduated from high school. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? John Zuccotti has been the strongest influence on my career because of his thoughtful and strategic approach to the advocacy of his clients, and his commitment to public service, both inside and outside government. How are you using social media to promote yourself, your products and / or your firm? I utilize Facebook groups and Linked In to stay in touch with people in my field and related fields, and with alumni of the educational institutions I attended. Where would you like to be 10 years from today? I expect to continue to be a leader of the Land Use Department at Kramer Levin, and to continue pro bono efforts in which I can utilize my expertise to assist non-profits that provide a service to society.