In this episode of Behind the Building, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Jessica Elliott, Real Estate Attorney at Manning Fulton & Skinner, P.A., to explore the legal side of commercial real estate—and the strategy behind every successful transaction.
With more than 24 years of experience representing developers, landlords, investors, and business owners, Jessica brings a seasoned legal perspective shaped by her early career as in-house counsel for a large commercial developer and landlord.
Her practice spans leasing, acquisitions, sales, and financing across retail, office, and industrial assets, offering practical insight into how strong legal foundations support successful commercial real estate deals.
Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Jessica shares what makes a strong lease, how legal foresight protects both sides of a transaction, and the evolving challenges facing today’s CRE market.
Guest: Jessica Elliott — Real Estate Attorney, Manning Fulton & Skinner, P.A.
- 24+ years of experience in commercial real estate law
- Former in-house counsel for a large commercial developer and landlord
- Extensive experience in leasing (1,000–150,000 sq. ft.), acquisitions, sales, and financing
- Recognized in Best Lawyers in America (2021–2026) and Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite (2019, 2023)
What you’ll learn:
- The legal essentials that protect both landlords and tenants in commercial leases
- How preparation and precision drive smoother negotiations and closings
- Why understanding traditional and non-traditional financing structures matters
- The difference between legal strategy and deal strategy in CRE
Key takeaways:
- A well-structured lease builds long-term trust and value
- Early legal insight prevents costly surprises later
- Clear communication between counsel, broker, and client is critical
- The best transactions balance opportunity with protection
Guest Links
Jessica Elliott
Jessica Elliott on LinkedIn
Manning Fulton & Skinner, P.A.
Official Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
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