They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Molly Lovedale of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.

In 2022, I represented Deutsche Bank and Bank of Montreal on a $1.04 billion mortgage loan secured by a portfolio of 109 select service hotels across 22 states. The transaction was connected with the $1.5 billion acquisition of Corepoint Lodging Inc. by a joint venture between Highgate and Cerberus Capital. I then represented Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs in 2023 in connection with a $625 million refinancing of a subset of the same portfolio.

Additionally, the commercial real estate industry has faced a challenging couple of years with borrowers facing rapidly rising interest rates, increased costs, and a slow return to office. This has resulted in an increase in loan workouts. I recently represented the administrative agent in connection with a workout and modification of a $420 million mortgage and mezzanine loan secured by an office building in Washington, D.C.

I also helped start a non-profit with my husband called Access2Success, which provides sustainable programs that generate positive change for Nigerian children and their communities. A2S recently finished construction on a 20,000 square feet after-school academy, which serves 240 youth daily by providing them with a hot meal after school and extra academic support.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?

The most important lesson I learned as a first-year is that you grow and learn the most when you are outside of your comfort zone. Law school does not prepare associates to be transactional attorneys so when I was a first-year associate, I did not have any substantive knowledge about real estate finance. I was used to succeeding academically and professionally and for the first time in my life I felt like I was in over my head. I was outside of my comfort zone, and I needed to figure out a way to navigate this whole new world of real estate finance.

I did this by diving in headfirst, asking questions, taking on as much work as I could and developing relationships with the attorneys in my group. Every day was a challenge, but I was focused on developing a new skill set and learning as much as I could.

Now, when I have a new deal that is particularly challenging or when I am facing a difficult opposing counsel, I view these as important learning experiences and growth opportunities rather impossible obstacles. This reframes my mindset and allows me to approach the challenges I face with a positive attitude knowing that I will learn and become a better attorney because of those challenges.

How do you define success in your practice?

Success in my practice extends beyond the mere scale and complexity of transactions. While those aspects are important markers, they only skim the surface. For me, true success is defined by the depth and quality of the relationships I cultivate.

Whether it’s with clients, colleagues on my team, or even counterparts such as borrowers and opposing counsel, the strength of these connections speaks volumes about the success of my practice. It’s about fostering trust, collaboration, and mutual respect that endure beyond any single deal. In essence, success isn’t just about what I accomplish professionally, but also about the lasting impact I make through meaningful connections and partnerships.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?

As a lawyer, my greatest source of pride stems from the cohesive culture and camaraderie we’ve fostered within the Real Estate Finance group at Cadwalader. We work together as a team, we collaborate, and we support each other both personally and professionally.

This collective spirit serves as the cornerstone of our group’s success. It helps us to deliver top-notch client service and to navigate complex real estate finance transactions efficiently and effectively.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?

I’m fortunate to have two remarkable mentors, Holly Chamberlain and Bonnie Neuman, both partners in Cadwalader’s real estate finance group. Since joining Cadwalader, they’ve played an indispensable role in shaping my professional journey.

Beyond their exceptional legal prowess, what truly distinguishes them is their outstanding character as wonderful people. They treat everyone with respect, they care about their team and their clients, and they approach the practice of law with integrity. Their guidance has been invaluable, emphasizing the significance of fostering relationships, both within the firm and with clients.

Regardless of their demanding schedules, they prioritize investing time in nurturing the next generation of lawyers. Their doors have always been open to me, generously offering their wisdom and support, spending countless hours answering my questions and providing mentorship. Their commitment to not only excellence in law but also to the development and well-being of those around them serves as a source of inspiration.

Tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist. “If” by Davido and “Cough” by Kizz Daniel. We listen to a lot of Afrobeats and my kids love dancing to the music.

Molly Lovedale of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft with husband and sons at Kinsleeshop Farm in Statesville, North Carolina.

Credit: Taylor Cline and Jonathan Hurtarte/Bloomberg Law