Sabrina Peace was recently selected as one of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Charlotte's Member Spotlights for April 2022. Read her member highlight below.
Current job: Associate at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP.
Summary of your role in the company: I practice in the firm’s Banking & Capital Markets Group with a focus on commercial real estate. I represent financial institutions in commercial real estate loans, including construction loans, term financing, and revolving credit facilities. I also work with commercial real estate companies and developers in purchasing, developing, financing, leasing, and selling real estate.
How I chose my occupation: My father was an attorney in South Africa, and I decided to follow in his footsteps. With childlike wonder, I ignored the long days he clearly worked and just saw how great it was that he loved what he did and got to wear “smart clothes” (a/k/a a suit) to work every day. Now …much to my dismay, I, unfortunately, work long days as well. I have zero regrets, however, because I love what I do… and I also get to wear smart clothes to work every day.
Years in the business: Six years.
My specialization is: Representing financial institutions in commercial real estate loans.
A good lead for me is: Any CREW member who enjoys a good glass of wine (but for professional purposes, anyone working for a financial institution looking for representation for any construction loans, term financing, etc.).
The most satisfying part of my job is: Closing day—I absolutely love the adrenaline rush that comes with getting everything ready and reviewed for my client in time for the Federal wire deadline (especially on Fridays).
Best leadership advice I have been given: Unfortunately, I don’t have a particularly eloquent quote for this, but the best advice I have been given is to be confident in your work and capabilities. If you have worked hard to get where you are and put in the time, effort and dedication, more often than not, you are exactly what the situation or client requires. You are your own best advocate.
Greatest professional achievement: Lawyer’s Weekly Rising Star 2019.
Number of years with CREW: Four years.
Most significant CREW connection: Everyone I’ve met through the Communications Committee. I’ve been on this committee since I started with CREW, and I’ve made some invaluable friendships bonding over the joys of Hootsuite scheduling.
Place of birth/hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Number of years in Charlotte: 4 years
Family: 1 husband, Andy, who practices the exact same law I do but (thankfully, for the health of our marriage) for a different law firm here in Charlotte, and two chaotic but incredible children, Payton (2) and Chip (8 months).
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with views of the beach from a pool (I hate sand) + my Kindle + my Mother watching the kids + my husband bringing me unlimited pina coladas. Is that really too much to ask?
Hobbies/Interests: I am an avid reader and knitter. Last year, I hit my goal of reading 250 books, which was a fun achievement.
Other professional organizations I belong to: ULI
I wish I could: Read and knit at the same time. Despite being my two favorite hobbies—I can’t concentrate on one when I’m trying to do the other!
CREW Charlotte was founded in 1990 and consists of a diverse group of professional women and men engaged in commercial real estate and related services industries. There are a wide range of disciplines represented within CREW Charlotte, including but not limited to, real estate brokers, attorneys, bankers and title industry professionals to engineers, developers, and architects.