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Attorney By Attorney Career Profiles of the Profession Who? Marcy C. Helfand mhelfand@swbell.net What? Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields: Commercial Real Estate. When? Years in Practice Area: Since 1980 Years in the Legal Profession: Since 1979 Where? Employer: Marcy C. Helfand, P.C. Size/Sector: Solo City, State: Dallas, TX Law School: Southern Methodist University Undergraduate School/Degree: Southern Methodist University, B.S. Political Science Why? Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area: I enjoy being a part of a transaction where, in general, all parties are working towards a goal that will benefit each in some way. The challenges are building up a client base in a competitive environment and balancing the desire to give your client every protection against the realities of getting a deal closed. Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area: Must be detail oriented and knowledgeable of all areas of real estate law. Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area: Focus on courses, which teach drafting skills and, obviously, real estate law courses. Try to clerk with a real estate firm. How? Career Path to Current Position: Went to work for a "boutique" real estate firm. Influences and Mentors: Partners at my first law firm. Bar Affiliations and Activities: State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, American Bar Association (former chair of a Real Property Section Committee) Recent Professional Presentations: Speaker at ABA meetings.