Today we’d like to introduce you to Aisha J. Thomas.
Hi Aisha J., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I opened my real estate law firm on Juneteenth 2020. However, my real estate journey began in 2001, I am a licensed real estate professional in Michigan, California, and Georgia. I own The Thomas Agency, a real estate company. I also have real estate finance and affordable housing development experience. This practical experience provides me a prospective that understands the unique needs of my clients because I have sat at every seat at the table.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are less than 1% women and minorities in commercial real estate and less than 5% of licensed Attorneys are Black. This statistic presents challenges to break into the industry. Some minorities do not have the network that enables longevity in the commercial real estate arena without being connected to a large corporate entity or firm. I am one of those people, however I overcame that challenge by ensuring that I am educated and honing in on the clients I best serve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
AJT Law (AJT) is a certified MBE/DBE client-centered boutique commercial real estate, business and alternative dispute resolution law practice. AJT offers representation of clients in nearly every facet of commercial real property development and finance, from formation of ownership entities through project planning, land acquisition, loan negotiation, leasing, management, sale, workout and foreclosure. Advisement on the acquisition, financing, land use planning, zoning, construction, leasing and sale of real property. We also provide real estate related mediation and arbitration services.
In 2020, our firm’s founder was selected as a Lawyer in Real Estate Awardee of a national commercial real estate publication. The founder of AJT was selected as a Woman Leader in Real Estate by the Urban Land Institute Atlanta. AJT Law has been quoted in Yahoo Finance and several other national blogs.
AJT Law has assisted in the closing or leasing of over 200,000 sf in less than two years. AJT thrives in protecting the real property interests of office, retail, multi-family and land users. AJT LAW is EXPERIENCED. RESPONSIVE. ADDING VALUE.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you are interested in learning more and engaging in commercial real estate, I recommend organizations such as Project REAP, CREW, NAIOP, AAREP, Urban Land Institute, CCIM, the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, etc. These organizations provide opportunities to meet seasoned professionals and resources to gain the requisite skillset to effectively assist and serve clients. I also recommend that individuals interested in commercial real estate purchase my eBook, Getting to the 1% in Real Estate: A Beginner’s Resource, which is available on my website, www.aishajthomas.com. It has the information I wish I knew about when I started in the business compiled in one book.
For legal mentorship, I have supportive Attorney mentors and colleagues who are successful in the industry. I would not have made it my first year as an Attorney without their willingness to offer insight, assistance and encouragement. I really appreciate the men and women who have sowed into my legal career.
Contact Info:
- Email: aisha@ajtlawfirm.com
- Website: www.ajtlawfirm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aishajthomas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajtlaw
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AishaJThomas
Image Credits
Red dress photos: Q11 Photography
