Hartman Simons was thrilled to announce
recently that veteran attorney Diane L. Lidz, who has nearly 30 years of
experience in representing clients in various types of commercial real
estate transactions, has joined the firm as a partner. In today’s Four on
Friday, we chat with Diane about her practice, her extensive experience, why
she became a lawyer and her several hobbies.
Many thanks to Diane
for her time. We’re excited she’s now part of the Hartman Simons team!
On what areas will your practice at Hartman
Simons focus?
Lidz: For the past several years, my practice has primarily focused on site
acquisition, commercial development and leasing, particularly in the retail
sector. Since commercial real estate activity is picking up and Hartman Simons
is well known in the retail market, I expect to continue to practice in these
areas. With my prior experience in the loan workout and asset disposition
areas, I expect that my practice at Hartman Simons may include that type of
work as well.
Give us an overview of your legal career
before joining Hartman Simons.
Lidz: I began my career down the street at O’Callaghan, Saunders &
Stumm in 1984. When real estate markets took a turn for the worse following the
Tax Reform Act of 1986, I joined the newly formed Federal Asset Disposition
Association, whose mission was the liquidation and disposition of assets of
failed savings institutions acquired by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation.
When the FADA
was liquidated at the end of 1989, I joined the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, where I practiced until 1996. At the FDIC, I handled loan
workouts, property sales (including auctions), lease transactions, and
environmental matters. In 1996, as the real estate market was recovering, I
decided the time was right to return to private practice and joined Troutman
Sanders.
At Troutman
Sanders, my practice included real estate finance, construction contracting,
loan workouts and industrial leasing, but I eventually established a niche in
the retail sector, representing a privately held, national quick-service
restaurant chain and a major big-box retailer.
What inspired you to become a lawyer, and
what do you most enjoy about the profession?
Lidz: I decided to apply to law school at the recommendation of my logic
professor in college. He suggested that I take the LSAT, based upon my
accomplishments as his student and teaching assistant. When I received my
score, I decided law school was probably a good fit. I particularly enjoy the
problem-solving aspects of the profession and working closely with clients and
their other advisors in a collaborative effort.
How do you like to spend your time away
from the office — what are some of your hobbies?
Lidz: My husband and I are still getting used to being empty-nesters. Our
daughter graduated from college in May, and our son is a college sophomore. I
enjoy exercising daily, including a mixture of yoga, Pilates, weight training
and cardio. I am always reading and enjoy both fiction and nonfiction.