BRANDON, Fla. — Touring a new property in Brandon marks a full-circle moment for Jin Liu.
“It’s just so wonderful to actually see the finished products,” she said.
The real estate attorney with Carlton Fields worked with developers well before apartments were built there.
What You Need To Know
- Jin Liu has been a real estate attorney with Carlton Fields for 18 years
- She’s a board member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay, which she co-founded, and will soon chair the Tampa Downtown Partnership
- Liu said she strives to set a good example for her children and other younger people
“Initially, acquisition of the land (goes through) the development process and then gets capitalization both from equity investors and from banks to fund the construction,” Liu said.
There’s a sense of fulfillment when that construction is complete.
“Houses and buildings are physical structures, but what is most fulfilling is to know what kind of impact they bring to people’s life,” said Liu.
An attorney for 18 years, Liu has been with Carlton Fields her entire career.
“This is one of the most rewarding parts of my job, is to know that all of the paper we shuffle ultimately comes to this,” said Liu.
Liu shuffles paper for multiple clients locally and internationally.
“We always feel very confident she’s going to have our best interest and that we’re going to be in the best position moving forward on each project,” said Stephen Gerhard, COO of 2nd Wave Development.
As this project ends, Liu reflects on how her time in the U.S. began.
“Coming to the states and walking into my first law school class was like, ‘What did the professor just talk about?’” said Liu.
Liu’s command of the English language improved as she settled in the U.S.
The now-busy attorney also makes time for the community. She will soon chair the Tampa Downtown Partnership, an advocacy group for improving the district. She’s also a board member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay, which she co-founded.
“I’m very proud of my current involvement in our community,” said Liu.
In March, Liu was named a Tampa Bay Business Journal Woman of the Year honoree. She also chairs the Carlton Fields’ Development Industry Group and last year was named a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.
The mother of three strives to set a good example for her children and other younger people.
“The more opportunities we provide for people, the more leaders from different backgrounds, different looks will make it less daunting for the next generation,” said Liu.
Liu is proud to be paving the way for generations to come.