22 May RESA Member Spotlight: Christina Smyth, Founder/Owner of Smyth Law PC

Christina Smyth is the Founder/ Owner of Smyth Law PC, a Real Estate Law Firm based in midtown Manhattan.  Smyth Law represents owners and developers of multifamily and commercial real estate throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I moved to NYC in 1989, and it took me a minute to get my bearings.  I was due at an entry level job interview at a big ad agency and took the 6 train in the wrong direction!   Needless to say I was very late, with no decent excuse, and did not get the job.   The next day I interviewed with the Zeckendorfs, and their office was an easy walk.   It was the beginning of a full and rewarding career in NYC real estate.   Thank goodness I got lost on the subway.

What do you think the market/business will look like in 2021?

“Adversity does not build character, it reveals it”.  As long as NYC can get the homelessness and mental illness crises handled in a real, comprehensive manner, and the government can truly provide housing to its neediest citizens, the city will be back and better than ever!

What challenges does your business/industry face over the next several months/year?

The re-opening of normal court operations and the transition to a new Mayor in NYC will aid in easing the challenges of the pandemic.   The “wait and see” policy employed by NYS Office of Court Administration is a failure, and will result in a disservice to people in need of rental assistance.

What do you/your company do that’s different or unique?  How do you better serve your clients?  What skills or services do you offer that are different? 85% of court cases settle.  My firm’s objective is to get our clients in and out of disputes swiftly.  Litigation is unpredictable. Settlement is a way to control outcomes in a much more cost effective manner.   Smyth Law will fight if it is the only path to success, but we will always encourage resolution before legal costs diminish your bottom line.

What do you consider your keys to success? 

Hard work always wins.

Tell about some of your marquis transactions/developments/accomplishments (you can add a specific, current project you are working on now if you’d like). 

The pandemic has created a significant amount of distress.  My firm is performing diligence on a number of multifamily loans that will need to be sold and rehabilitated by an improving market in the coming months.  It is very rewarding to be part of the solution.

Best piece of advice ever received?

“Go to law school”

“Start your own firm”

“Do yoga and meditate daily”. Om

What piece of knowledge would you share with your younger self? 

Worry less!  It all works out.