Two Ervin Cohen & Jessup partners named among Lawdragon’s top real estate lawyers for 2026

Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP said partners Dara Kalish and Joan Velazquez were selected for Lawdragon’s 2026 “500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers” guide. The recognition spotlights the firm’s real estate bench as both lawyers handle complex transactions, financing and portfolio work across major property sectors.

Why it matters: - Lawdragon’s annual guide is a widely watched industry list for real estate lawyers. - The recognition highlights Ervin Cohen & Jessup’s work in complex commercial real estate, financing and portfolio operations. - The honor can signal market standing to developers, investors, lenders and property owners looking for outside counsel.

What happened: - Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP said partners Dara Kalish and Joan Velazquez were named to the 2026 edition of Lawdragon’s "500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers" guide. - The announcement was made Sept. 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. - Lawdragon said its selection process combines peer nominations, independent legal research and evaluation of significant transactional achievements. - Lawdragon described the group as lawyers whose work affects spaces from offices and homes to affordable housing and Las Vegas resorts.

The details: - Dara Kalish has more than 20 years of experience advising developers, family offices, property owners, investors and real estate operators. - Kalish advises on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, property management and asset management. - Kalish focuses on practical, business-oriented legal guidance tied to clients’ investment goals and operating needs. - Joan Velazquez chairs the firm’s Real Estate Department. - Velazquez advises owners, developers, investors, lenders and asset managers on strategic and creative deal structures. - Velazquez has worked across office, industrial, retail, mixed-use and hospitality properties. - Velazquez has structured, documented and closed more than $1 billion in financing transactions. - Those transactions have included joint ventures, partnerships, complex capital structures and distressed asset workouts. - Velazquez uses her tax background to build risk-mitigation strategies and client-return-focused solutions.

Between the lines: - The dual selection points to depth in the firm’s real estate practice, not just a single standout lawyer. - Both lawyers’ profiles emphasize commercial pragmatism, suggesting the firm markets itself around deal execution and problem solving rather than pure litigation. - Velazquez’s financing volume and Kalish’s portfolio advisory work show the firm covers both transactional and operational sides of real estate.

What's next: - The Lawdragon recognition gives both partners added visibility as they continue representing real estate clients across transactions and portfolio management. - The listing may help support future client development in a market where specialized real estate counsel is often chosen by reputation and prior deal experience.

The bottom line: - Ervin Cohen & Jessup secured a notable industry nod with two partners on Lawdragon’s 2026 real estate lawyers list, underscoring the firm’s standing in complex property work.