News & Resources

With the trend in office-to-apartment conversions remaining strong through 2023, it’s important for commercial real estate professionals to ask the right questions before embarking on any new project pursuit. In the Maryland Daily Record article “Key Questions for Adaptive Reuse Projects,” Amy Serafino outlines key considerations that developers should weigh before tackling adaptive reuse projects — one of the most notable CRE trends of 2023. While converting an office to residential space may seem like a perfect solution in light of the seemingly ever-increasing office vacancy rate and ongoing housing shortage, particularly in the DMV, Amy advises that, “commercial real estate professionals need to be aware of and thoroughly consider the many complexities that office-to-apartment projects entail and the many challenges that can arise.” Several questions to consider include: How is the property currently zoned and can a new zoning classification, or exception to the existing zoning, be obtained within […]

Friedlander Misler PLLC is pleased to announce that Principal Rebecca Urland Monzi has been named a Washington, D.C. Connect CRE 2023 Lawyers in Real Estate Awards winner. “Rebecca is a deserving recipient of this award, and we are pleased to celebrate this recognition,” said Principal and Managing Member David M. Astrove. “She demonstrates leadership not only in the legal and real estate industries, but also in the mental health community. Her daily commitment to her practice is admirable and inspiring for her colleagues.” Connect CRE’s fourth annual Lawyers in Real Estate Awards recognize standout commercial real estate attorneys. Honorees have made an impact through both their practice in real estate-related matters and community and industry contributions. Rebecca was selected as a Washington, D.C. winner from among an abundance of submissions from companies across the region. Rebecca concentrates her practice in real estate development, working with developers, investors and financial institutions. […]

Friedlander Misler PLLC is pleased to announce that Divya M. Prasad has joined the firm as an associate and member of its Real Estate and Commercial Transactions practice groups. “We are very pleased to welcome Divya, whose experience and dedication to her work makes her a valuable asset to our firm and our clients,” said firm principal Rebecca Urland Monzi. In her role, Divya counsels clients in a range of commercial real estate transactions including but not limited to acquisitions and dispositions, borrower financing, representing financial institutions, commercial leasing, and general corporate matters. Before joining Friedlander Misler, Divya practiced in Baltimore City, Maryland, representing financial institutions and financing parties in structuring lending and leasing transactions involving commercial real estate (synthetic leases included), aircraft finance, equipment leasing, and asset-based lending. She also previously clerked for the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City where she worked with a team of judicial […]

Friedlander Misler PLLC is pleased to announce that, based on peer review and practice excellence, Principal and Managing Member David M. Astrove and Principal Deborah G. Astrove were recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law. Additionally, Member Jennifer W. Jette was recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Corporate Law. All three attorneys are first-time honorees. Attorneys included in the Best Lawyers lists are reviewed by their peers based on professional capabilities and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and good standing. The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America list recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers and have demonstrated outstanding professional excellence in private practice. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. The 2024 edition of […]

Friedlander Misler advised Cornerstone Montgomery, an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 mental and behavioral health services provider, in a merger with Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc. Effective April 1, 2023, the merged organization will operate under the name Cornerstone Montgomery, however, Southern Maryland Community Network will do business as Cornerstone Southern Maryland. The union allows both groups to better serve and more comprehensively meet the mental and behavioral health of residents across Maryland. The Friedlander Misler team was led by partner Jennifer Jette and principal Rebecca Urland Monzi, who both also serve in board roles for Cornerstone Montgomery—Jennifer as a current member of the Cornerstone Montgomery Board of Directors and Rebecca as a former member of the Board of Directors and current member of the HUD Board of Directors. “It was an honor to represent Cornerstone Montgomery in this deal,” Jennifer said. “The services both organizations provide are crucial to many Maryland […]