Ryan A. Lown

Partner/Attorney, Phillips Lytle LLP

Years in current role: 15

What are your expectations for the next 6-12 months?

I think the next 6-12 months will present a lot of opportunities for real estate developers. While many may view the recent interest rate hikes as a negative for the real estate community, it can be a positive for those who anticipated these market changes and planned accordingly. Well-positioned developers will be able to capitalize on new opportunities with less competition. Demand remains high for new development, so I expect the next 6-12 months will remain busy with new developments continuing to emerge across Western New York.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in real estate law?

Understand your client’s business and their objectives. It is important to understand the law and mitigate legal risk, however, it is equally as important to understand your client’s business needs. This will allow you to maximize your value to the client and efficiently counsel your client through a real estate transaction with a focus on what matters to them.

What do you enjoy most about practicing law in the Rochester area?

The people. The clients, as well as the various local real estate professionals, make for a collegial atmosphere that is both fun and exciting. Each deal presents its own unique issues and challenges and I enjoy collaborating with the people in the Rochester real estate community to provide effective solutions to bring a new development from conception to a shovel in the ground.