Press Releases

Benesch Partner Laura Sugarman Named to 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers List

September 29, 2026

Benesch is pleased to announce that Real Estate Partner Laura Sugarman has been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers list. Now in its third edition, the publication honors top real estate attorneys around the world for their work in development, finance, leasing, REITs, construction, disputes and litigation.

Benesch Real Estate Practice Group Chair and Firm Administrative Partner Jeff Wild shared, “Laura’s recognition by Lawdragon is a testament to the exceptional counsel she provides clients on complex and transformative real estate matters. Her technical knowledge, strategic approach and dedication to achieving successful outcomes have made her a respected leader in the real estate industry.”

In her practice, Laura structures and closes deals for transformative projects in New York and across the country. She represents national and local developers, owners, lenders, landlords, tenants, borrowers, investors and not-for-profit entities in acquisitions and dispositions, financings, leasing, air rights and large-scale development projects, including affordable housing and condominium developments. Laura is a skilled tax strategist, steering through real estate law and complex tax codes and using various legal and financial structures to help clients secure essential tax exemptions and other tax benefits.

With a focus on condominium and cooperative development and management, Laura represents numerous national and international clients and is highly regarded as one of New York’s go-to resources for the structuring and formation of leasehold condominiums.

Laura serves on the Real Estate Advisory Board of Yeshiva University, is a longtime participant in Cardozo Law School’s Women in Law Institute and is actively engaged in Benesch’s WIN initiative. She also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Hiring Committee, helping to shape the next generation of legal talent.

View the full list of honorees here.