Elena M. Marquez | People | Bilzin Sumberg

GET TO KNOW ELENA

Elena Marquez is an experienced Real Estate attorney who began her practice representing major lenders originating, packaging, and closing a high volume of Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) loans for commercial and industrial properties. Today, she is using her wide-ranging lending experience to represent CMBS Special Servicers, who must ensure that borrowers and tenants are following the uniquely restrictive requirements established by the trusts. She also works on traditional real estate transactions, purchase-sale agreements, financing, and leasing.

Q & A

Which aspect of CMBS work do you find most interesting?

It is especially interesting to see how CMBS loans have evolved since I began representing large lenders that popularized this type of lending. At that time, we tried to anticipate the impact of economic cycles and market volatility in the loan documents. I now serve as special servicers' counsel handling the wide array of issues impacting commercial real estate in our current economic environment. Every transaction presents unique challenges that are made easier by my institutional knowledge and long history of working with CMBS loans.

What type of business relationships do you prefer to create with clients and business colleagues?

Real estate transactions are typically stressful and time-constrained. I like to form personal relationships with my law firm colleagues, clients, asset managers, analysts, and even the lawyers on the opposite side of a deal. While I always keep it professional, it’s easier to work with people that you like and relate to you as a human being. It is not surprising that response time, openness, and attitude are improved with people who you know and trust.