Member Spotlight: Maria Kefalas
Fun Fact:
Even though I spend most of my day reviewing case law, motions, and discovery, I genuinely love to read in my free time.
How has CREWNY provided value to you?
During my time as a member of CREW New York, I have valuable gained insight into the commercial real estate industry and its many facets. Most importantly, CREW New York has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with professionals across the industry while learning from their diverse experiences and perspectives. Those connections have been invaluable to my growth, both personally and professionally.
Who or what inspires you now? Why?
I am inspired by the next generation of lawyers and young professionals. Early in my career, I lacked mentorship to help guide my professional development, which made navigating the legal profession more challenging. Now, nearly a decade into my career as a practicing attorney, I strive to be a resource for young attorneys by providing support, guidance, and encouragement.
Describe a key piece of advice you received during your career, and how it impacted you.
Early in my career, a professional I greatly respected shared a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since: “If you don’t ask, they can’t say no.” While simple, that advice has had a lasting impact on me. It has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities, ask difficult questions, and build meaningful professional relationships, both in my practice as a litigator and through networking.