Areas of Focus
“I view myself as an extension of the client. Their business needs and interests drive my approach.”
Overview
Jessica Schissel helps some of New York’s largest and most well-known landlords, retailers and restaurants close commercial leasing transactions quickly and efficiently. With an in-depth perspective from both the landlord and tenant side, she crafts agreements that protect client interests while meeting their timelines and business requirements.
Jessica focuses on getting deals done. Lessons learned from a high volume of commercial leasing experience enable her to highlight the key issues landlords and tenants care about and find ways to achieve long-term business goals. Her knowledge of the market and stakeholders enables her to ramp up quickly and expedite the leasing process. Clients also trust her to evaluate potential real estate investments with thorough due diligence reviews.
Clients appreciate Jessica’s ability to manage their competing priorities in negotiations. Known for forging positive and productive working relationships on both sides of the table, Jessica zealously, yet collaboratively, pursues each client’s best interests. She takes a practical approach to evaluating each party's end goals, rather than simply trying to “win the point” for the sake of winning. Her guidance allows clients to weigh their options at every step while still having the flexibility to focus on their day-to-day business needs.
With a solid foundation in deal mechanics gained from years of experience drafting and negotiating documents, Jessica finds the key nuances that make each deal unique. Equally important is her skill in navigating the distinct issues that can arise in retail and office leases and explaining those differences to both parties and counsel in complex transactions.
Representative Experience
Assisted a real estate private equity fund reposition its shopping centers as a top destination for shoppers in New York. Negotiated leases with Starbucks, Dave & Busters, DMV, Sephora, a sports bar chain and medical offices in New York City and New Jersey.
- Represented one of the oldest major real estate development companies in the New York Metropolitan Area in connection with leasing matters encompassing more than 8 million square feet of ongoing office and retail space at a New York City cultural landmark, as well as the negotiation of over 300,000 square feet of lease space at an iconic skyscraper in the Hudson Yards neighborhood.
- Represented one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States in its rollout in the New York Metropolitan area.
- Counseled a global advertising holding company in its leasing of approximately 200,000 square feet at an office building in New York City's Financial District to serve as its new headquarters. Continue to represent our client in connection with its ongoing real estate matters.
- Represent a world-class integrated academic health system in negotiating multiple leases across the New York Metropolitan area, as well as in the purchase and sale of various properties within its portfolio. The center holds a significant real estate presence in the city, owning and operating medical facilities that enhance healthcare access for residents in diverse neighborhoods.
Credentials
Education
- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, 2014)
- Associate Editor, Cardozo Arts and Entertainment Journal
- University of Michigan (B.A., 2011)
Bar Admissions
- New York
- New Jersey