Industry Spotlight: Q&A With Ingram’s Melissa Billig

Now in its 30th year, Ingram Yuzek Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti, LLP is among the leading law firms in New York City, providing efficient, practical and cost-effective legal services in the areas of Commercial Real Estate, Construction & Design, Landlord-Tenant, Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law. Commercial Observer’s Partner Insights team sat down with Melissa Billig, Partner at Ingram Yuzek Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti, LLP, to discuss the current state of the commercial real estate industry for women.

Commercial Observer’s Partner Insights: What are the best ways companies can foster an environment of inclusion and promotion of women?

Melissa Billig: The best way for a company to foster an environment of inclusion and the promotion of women is to invest the time and effort in recruiting women with diverse backgrounds, ranging in ages, ethnicities, religions and world views. The goal is to create a culture where people are respected and appreciated. With respect to law firms, helping to cultivate the careers and legal skills of female attorneys will eventually remove the inequities and professional obstacles women face in the legal profession. Talented women who are promoted to positions of authority within any company, including law firms, are not only the next leaders of that company, but are role models for future generations.

How does increasing diversity at the leadership level impact a business’ success?

Billig: It is important to value your people, no matter what gender, ethnicity or culture they are. Every person in your organization, including those at the leadership level, must feel valued so that they thrive. The leadership in your organization, in particular, must be able to adapt and connect with the entire workforce to maximize success and profitability. Increasing diversity at the leadership level will lead to better collaboration and further productivity, which directly impacts a company’s bottom line.

What is your outlook on the progress of the industry when it comes to female diversity?

Billig: My outlook is quite positive. While there is still much to do to include and promote women in the real estate industry, there has been an increase in recruitment and improved retention of women. Women are also mentoring, and developing business with, other women. Although there have been obstacles for women, they continue to chip away at those obstacles and are doing their best to try to level the playing field.

Join Melissa Billig and other CRE professionals at the 3rd Annual Women in Real Estate Forum on November 12, 2019. Click here for more information.