Professional Profile: Lydia Chesnick - 2016

Education: Boston University, J.D., 1980; Northwestern University (1973-75) and  University of California, Berkeley, B.A., high honors, 1977 What your firm does now and its plans for the future? My firm is a 24 attorney practice with an exceptional commercial real estate department. We handle all aspects of commercial real estate acquisitions, development, permitting, financing and leasing. We work with small and large business owners and institutional clients. We also have an exceedingly strong litigation department servicing our business and other clients. Our plan for the future is to maintain controlled growth so we continue to be responsive to the needs of our clients and the business community and maintain our reputation as problem solvers, with a practical and cost effective approach. What would you say you are known for? I’m a commercial real estate and business law attorney, with strong skills in complex drafting and negotiations.  I’m known for my responsiveness to my clients and my result oriented approach. Favorite novel: Tie: The Grass Harp, Truman Capote and Couldn’t Keep it to Myself, Wally Lamb Favorite film: Philomena and Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (albeit, a theatre production and tv film) Keys to success: Being an excellent listener, taking the time to understand a client’s goals and provide creative solutions. If you had to choose a different profession, what would it be?  Author (fiction) Are you a member of an association? The Boston Club: Served on various committees including the strategic planning committee and participant in Affinity Groups; Barry L. Price Rehabilitation Center gala event committee member; Pro Bono legal work including identifying and documenting keynotes and entertainment such as Mandy Patinkin and Lou Rawls for past 2+ decades, Dream Builder Level for Annual Donations and Angel Status for Exemplary Service: Actively involved in the annual charitable event including pro bono legal work; and New England 500 Club: Active member of organization enhancing interaction among centers of influence in the business community.  Currently, on a small advisory committee to manage a philanthropic roundtable and giving circle to direct grants, from a fund administered by The Boston Foundation, to local non-profit community organizations.