Hartman Simons is thrilled to announce that a new attorney has joined our firm. Senior Counsel Sharon Smith joins us from Stanley, Esrey & Buckley. We recently got a chance to catch-up with her and get the scoop on her career and her practice focus at Hartman Simons. Welcome aboard, Sharon!
HS: What will be your primary scope of work at Hartman Simons?
Smith: My primary scope of work will initially be retail leasing. Hartman Simons has a large number of clients who have been busy leasing up new or existing retail developments. Additionally, I will be working with real estate developer clients in the purchase and sale of raw land and buildings, and then will continue the process with the leasing work that accompanies any new development.
HS: Give us a brief summary of your legal career before joining Hartman Simons.
Smith: I started working for a very small, three-person firm in St. Louis. My real estate experience began there because our office was adjacent to a title company, and they were our client. After five years there, I moved to Atlanta to work in the commercial real estate practice of Holland & Knight. There I was exposed to much larger deals and developments. I spent five years there, and eventually moved to the real estate department of Balch & Bingham. From there, I moved (with the entire real estate group) to the newly formed firm of Stanley, Esrey and Buckley. Through each move, I have had the pleasure to work with amazing clients, both large and small, and have expanded my expertise.
HS: What do you love most about being a lawyer?
Smith: I love being an amazing problem-solving woman. In the commercial real estate practice, everyone wants to do the deal. It is simply a matter of jumping over each hurdle placed in front of you to accomplish the goal. I love the moment the lease is signed, and the moment the wire transfer goes through, all the documents are signed and the deal closes.
HS: What are your passions and interests outside of the office?
Smith: I enjoy wandering local art festivals and finding art that makes me happy. I like reading (I loved the Jo Nesbo crime series!), and one of my favorite books is “The Book Thief.” I love to travel overseas, explore new places, and I enjoy experiencing new cultures.