At Neiman Law, our work in transactional real estate gives us a front-row seat to how cities grow-parcel by parcel, project by project. We guide clients through everything from acquisitions to leases to development deals, but we also recognize that our work exists within a much broader ecosystem of professionals shaping the built environment. That’s why I’m proud to be involved with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and its Young Leaders Group (YLG) Mentorship Program here in Central Ohio.
ULI is a global nonprofit committed to responsible land use and sustainable community development. It brings together developers, designers, policymakers, financiers, attorneys, engineers, and more to promote best practices in real estate and urban planning. Through the Young Leaders Group, ULI cultivates the next generation of industry leaders (those under the age of 35 who are eager to learn, connect, and lead with intention).
Each year, the YLG Mentorship Program matches small groups of young professionals with established mentors from different sectors within the real estate and development community. My cohort this year includes a fantastic mix of individuals-from commercial brokers and engineers to architects, developers, and fellow attorneys. Our mentor is a seasoned professional who brings decades of experience in the Columbus real estate market, and each meeting offers a valuable opportunity to hear real-world perspectives, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about trends and challenges in our field.
These conversations go far beyond textbook knowledge. We’ve discussed the nuances of deal structuring, what’s driving market shifts, how to build lasting client relationships, and where we see Columbus heading in the next five to ten years. For me, it’s been particularly rewarding to offer insights from my work in transactional real estate, while also learning from others who approach projects from different angles-whether it’s entitlements, engineering, or sales strategy.
A recent highlight for our group was attending the Zone-In Columbus meeting together. This event served as a forum for stakeholders across the public and private sectors to discuss the future of zoning and land use in the region. It underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in shaping inclusive, well-planned communities. Hearing city officials, planners, developers, and legal professionals weigh in on the same issues from different vantage points was an energizing reminder of how interconnected our work really is.
Participating in ULI’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program has reaffirmed my belief in the power of community-both professionally and geographically. It’s not just about expanding your network; it’s about growing with people who are invested in building a better Columbus.
At Neiman Law, we bring that same collaborative mindset to our clients every day. Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, we understand that every transaction is part of a larger vision, and we’re here to help make it a reality.
If you’re curious about the work Neiman Law is doing in Central Ohio or want to talk about how trends in the local real estate market might affect your next deal, I’d be happy to connect. Reach out to me at [email protected]!