At Nareit’s REITwise: 2022 Law, Accounting & Finance Conference, more than 800 industry professionals gathered to learn about the latest developments impacting the real estate sector.
With a mix of industry veterans and first-time attendees, Nareit spoke with several REIT general counsels about what they love about working in the REIT industry, and why legal professionals or current law students should consider pursuing a career in the REIT and publicly traded real estate industry.
Find their answers below, and follow #REITjobs on LinkedIn to find your next role at a REIT.
Taylor Kessel, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Xenia Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: XHR)
“Real estate is an industry that's been around for a very, very long time and will be for the foreseeable future, so it is more of a certainty than other industries which may come and go. When you look to make the decision as to where you would like your career to go, it's a safe bet that real estate will be around for a while.
Secondly, there are great opportunities for getting a mentor in this industry and learning as much as you can. In my experience, I found that there are many individuals that sit in higher positions willing to share their experience, background, and tips to succeed. You have a large amount of knowledge that people are willing to share, unlike a lot of other industries where some people tend to hold it a little bit closer to the vest.
Lastly, real estate has so many different sectors within it that once you obtain the basic skillset in real estate - whether it's transactions or corporate work or both - you can really go anywhere with it. You can pick a sector and really concentrate on it or you can spread your wings a little bit and try new things.”
Ann Dee, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Duke Realty Corporation (NYSE: DRE)
“One of the things that I have always enjoyed during my 26 years at Duke Realty is the ability to work with really smart people on the business side. I love being part of thinking through the strategy. The business folks will cut the deal, but we get to structure it. We get to put it together, we get to work on it, and we get to see it to come fruition. I don't know that you get that in a law firm.
I would encourage any young associate in a law firm to get a few years of experience and then come in-house - because we'd love to have you!”