Distinguished Leader: Ken Lore

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.

The late Philip Brownstein, widely respected Federal Housing Administration commissioner for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, took a young lawyer, Ken Lore, under his wing and helped him forge a career resulting in the wide-ranging real estate work that has helped shape the housing market in New York and elsewhere. Brownstein, who fought discrimination by builders and landlords and who expanded Depression-era housing laws to widen home ownership among minority groups, was widely known as a leading authority on real estate. He showed Ken the ropes, taught him how to tackle nettlesome issues, how to effectively communicate with government and other critical community development and real estate players. Now, at Katten, Ken is still benefiting from the wisdom Brownstein imparted as well as lessons Ken learned from others, including his uncle, the late Kurt Lore, a highly accomplished real estate lawyer at a major NYC law firm. Ken recalls that in the early days of his career current and potential clients frequently got around to asking, “Are you related to Kurt Lore?”

 How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future?

Ken says that those earlier days were much different than today; the practice of law has become much more complex. Now, as important as it is for lawyers to have smart, reputable mentors, lawyers must continually expand their network of contacts. Young lawyers must always be involved in activities and pursuits that distinguish them.

Over the years, some law firm services have become commoditized, and Ken’s view is that today’s most successful lawyers are those who have found a niche and are able to help clients reach important goals and objectives.

What is the best advice for someone considering a career in law, or someone already in the profession who is seeking to make a greater impact?

Ken’s advice to young attorneys is to find an area of practice and a law firm or other organization that best fits their objectives.  “Law firms have personalities that you must understand and should be consistent with your own so that you will be in an environment where you thrive…. Law firms and the law change, and one needs to be able to pivot to accommodate that change.”

Ken has always tried to find work that he is passionate about and says he derives “a great deal of satisfaction” from traveling around New York and seeing the many buildings that were created with the help of his legal work.

The complexity and diversity of the transactions he has overseen during his career in the real estate industry are evidence of his highly sought ability to help owners, developers, lenders and other real estate players complete complicated deals through innovative thinking and sophisticated financings involving practically every tool available.

Ken has written extensively on all aspects of real estate law. His articles and books have been published by West Publishing, Legal Times, New York Law Journal, American University Law Review and other journals. He lectures on real estate finance at industry forums and seminars, including the Columbia University Real Estate Development Program and at meetings of the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association.