Telese of Zetlin & De Chiara named president of AREW

Lina Telese, Esq., partner with Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, the New York region's leading construction law firm, has been elected 2013 president of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW). Telese previously served in two elected officer positions, 2011-12 AREW vice president and 2010-2011 member-at-large. Other officers elected for the 2013 term are vice president Erin Bond, Esq., Center of Real Estate Studies, New York Law School; treasurer Rochelle Crespi, Guardhill Financial; secretary Gail Goldberg, Launch Solutions; and member-at-large Patricia Hildebrandt, JFK&M Consulting Group. Immediate past president, Jennifer Carey, JLC Environmental Consultants, will also serve as an officer. In addition to her administrative, managerial, strategic planning and fiduciary responsibilities as president of one of the city's largest real estate associations for women professionals, Telese will also oversee planning for AREW's 35th Anniversary Gala to be held May 9th at Gotham Hall. "As the first association for women real estate professionals in the U.S., AREW has a long tradition as a visionary, innovative and highly relevant organization," said Telese. "The 35th Anniversary Gala will be an opportunity to showcase AREW's innovation with regard to bringing together women professionals to learn, network and build their businesses." At Zetlin & De Chiara, Telese represents design professionals, owners, and contractors in all aspects of the construction process. She focuses her legal practice on drafting and negotiating contracts for sophisticated construction projects and has extensive experience related to national and international projects, including infrastructure, hotel, condo, mixed-use, gaming, education and financial ventures among others. Telese is a regularly featured speaker at the AIA New York State Conventions and holds the notable AV rating for ethical standards and legal ability from Martindale Hubbell. She frequently appears before state and federal courts with regard to construction and professional liability claims, and negotiates and settles cases involving professional licensing and copyright issues, contracts and dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration. Founded in 1978, AREW has supported, influenced and advanced the success of women real estate professionals for 35 years and is a chapter member of the national CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Network. AREW's membership is comprised of the full spectrum of the industry, encompassing senior and mid-level corporate professionals and entrepreneurs as well as women beginning their real estate careers. The AREW Charitable Fund makes a difference in the greater community through charitable works and scholarships. Visionary and vital, AREW is dedicated to providing a rich and varied annual schedule of educational, knowledge and skill-building luncheons, workshops and seminars as well as career, business and brand development networking opportunities at the highest levels of real estate industry association experience. For more information: www.arew.org.