Jessica Dolfman Martin

I am an in-house transactions attorney at W. P. Carey. I work directly with our Investments and Asset Management teams to negotiate and draft transaction documentation related to the full life cycle of our investments. 

It’s somewhat unique for real estate firms to have in-house transaction counsel that remain very hands-on as it’s typically outsourced to external law firms. At W. P. Carey, our team works for one singular client—the company itself—which allows us to develop a deep understanding of the business. That familiarity gives us a meaningful advantage at the negotiating table, enabling us to move efficiently, think creatively and deliver better outcomes.

Describe your career journey.

My first job out of college was in the land acquisitions group at a residential developer, where I evaluated farmland to determine its suitability for development. While I gained valuable exposure to real estate early on, I quickly realized I was looking for a path with broader impact and long‑term growth. That desire ultimately led me to join the Peace Corps, where I worked to improve access to clean water in northern Ghana. This was an incredibly meaningful and formative experience—one that continues to shape how I think about work, purpose and community to this day.

After the Peace Corp, I went to law school and began my legal career representing investment banks in CMBS loan origination. I started in 2007—just before the financial crisis—which gave me a front‑row seat to one of the most challenging periods in modern financial history. As the market recovered, I felt drawn back to real estate and was eager to apply my legal background in a more transaction-focused role. Through a connection with a former professor, I was introduced to Reed Smith LLP, where I joined as an Associate.

My primary client at Reed Smith was W. P. Carey, and I immediately enjoyed the complexity of the transactions and the opportunity to work with such a thoughtful, highly capable team. In 2015, when our group was brought in‑house to W. P. Carey, I was delighted by the outcome. I’ve been here ever since—and continue to value the chance to work on interesting deals alongside people I greatly respect.

What’s the best part about WPC?

The best part about working at W. P. Carey is the genuine sense of trust and respect that exists across the organization. It’s a place where people are empowered to bring their ideas forward, collaborate openly and support one another every step of the way. You’re surrounded by smart, driven colleagues who care deeply about the work they do—and just as importantly, about the people they work with. That shared commitment creates an environment where everyone is motivated to do their best and move forward together toward a common goal.

What do you think it takes to succeed at WPC?

To succeed at W. P. Carey, you need to be a true self‑starter—someone who is motivated, solutions‑oriented and comfortable taking ownership of their work. The company encourages individuals to always think critically and approach challenges with confidence and sound judgment.