Elizabeth C. Lee

For businesses, financial institutions, and developers navigating the complex world of real estate and finance in Washington, D.C., having seasoned and specialized legal counsel is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. The District's dynamic property market, coupled with intricate regulatory frameworks, demands an attorney with deep experience and a proven ability to manage high-stakes transactions. This article introduces you to Elizabeth C. Lee, a highly regarded attorney based right here in D.C., who has carved out a national reputation for her expertise in real estate and secured lending.

Elizabeth C. Lee is a prominent attorney in Washington, D.C., with over three decades of experience in real estate law, banking, and creditor debtor rights. As a partner in a leading global law firm, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, she has built a distinguished career by guiding large international and domestic banks, life insurance companies, and other financial institutions through all phases of complex secured lending transactions. Her work is characterized by a relationship-driven and business-focused approach, ensuring that risks are effectively managed and financing objectives are met. For anyone in the D.C. area involved in significant real estate deals or financial transactions, Elizabeth C. Lee offers a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successfully navigating intricate legal landscapes.

Ms. Lee's expertise extends across a diverse range of commercial real estate project types, including mixed-use developments, retail properties, commercial/office buildings, multi-family residences, and even hotel/hospitality and healthcare facilities. Her ability to handle various aspects of secured lending, from construction and permanent financing to mezzanine financing and real estate loan restructurings, makes her an invaluable asset to her clients. She is also adept at real property secured loan workout, foreclosure, and REO disposition, and has experience with Sharia-compliant portfolio loan transactions. This comprehensive skill set, combined with her deep understanding of the market, solidifies her position as a leader in the commercial real estate bar and a top-tier legal resource for D.C. businesses and financial entities.

Elizabeth C. Lee practices at the office of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, conveniently located at 1200 19th St NW #500, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places her in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s central business district, often referred to as the Golden Triangle. This prime location is easily accessible for clients throughout the District, as well as those commuting from neighboring Maryland and Virginia.

The office building is strategically situated within walking distance of several key Metro stations, making public transportation a highly convenient option. The Dupont Circle Metro station (Red Line) is very close by, providing direct access. The Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) Metro stations are also within a comfortable walking distance, ensuring comprehensive connectivity to various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. Additionally, numerous Metrobus routes serve the 19th Street NW corridor, offering extensive public transit options. For those who prefer to drive, while on-street parking can be limited in this bustling downtown area, there are several commercial parking garages available nearby, providing convenient solutions for clients visiting the office. This central and well-connected location underscores Elizabeth C. Lee's commitment to being a readily available and easily reachable legal resource for her specialized clientele in the D.C. metropolitan area.

• Secured Lending Transactions: Guiding large international and domestic banks, life insurance companies, and other financial institutions through the entire lifecycle of complex secured lending deals.
• Construction and Permanent Financing: Expertise in structuring and closing financing for various real estate development projects.
• Mezzanine Financing: Counsel on complex mezzanine debt structures in real estate transactions.
• Real Estate Loan Restructuring and Workouts: Advising on the modification of existing real estate loans and navigating distressed asset scenarios.
• Foreclosure and REO Disposition: Legal assistance with foreclosure proceedings and the disposition of real estate owned (REO) properties.
• Equity Investments in Real Estate: Representing institutional lenders in connection with their equity investments in real estate projects.
• Commercial Real Estate Transactions: Handling a wide range of transactions secured by diverse project types, including mixed-use, retail, commercial/office, multi-family, hotel/hospitality, and healthcare.
• Sharia Compliant Portfolio Loan Transactions: Experience with Islamic finance principles in real estate lending.
• Banking Law: Broader legal advice related to the banking sector, particularly concerning real estate finance.
• Creditor Debtor Rights: Representing creditors in matters involving debtor obligations and enforcement of rights.

• Over 30 Years of Experience: Ms. Lee brings more than three decades of focused experience in complex secured lending and commercial real estate transactions, establishing her as a deeply knowledgeable attorney.
• National Reputation: She has built a national reputation for her expertise, guiding major financial institutions through critical transactions.
• Top-Tier Firm Affiliation: As a partner at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, she operates within a large, highly regarded global law firm, offering comprehensive resources and a broad network.
• Highly Recognized by Peers and Industry:
  • Chambers USA Ranked Lawyer in Real Estate (District of Columbia), 2024 - Present.
  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (BL Rankings), Real Estate Law, 2012 – Present.
  • Recognized in Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) 2013-2020; 2023 - Present.
• Leadership Roles in Professional Organizations:
  • Past Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law.
  • Fellow and Regent in the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.
  • Fellow in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.
• Relationship-Driven and Business-Focused: Her approach emphasizes strong client relationships and practical, business-oriented solutions to manage financial risks.
• Diverse Project Experience: Proficient in handling transactions across various commercial real estate types, from office buildings to healthcare facilities.
• Client Endorsements (as seen in public reviews for related legal professionals): While specific individual client reviews for Elizabeth C. Lee were not universally available, a collective sense of satisfaction for teams she may have been part of indicates that when associated with litigation or transactional work, clients appreciate diligence and a favorable outcome. One general comment from a team setting highlighted appreciation for lawyers who are "patient, kind, and incredibly understanding" and make "a stressful situation feel more manageable," noting that they are "quick to respond, answered every question I had, and made sure I always felt informed and supported." Another mentions "phenomenal work and outcome," with clients being "very professional, very easygoing and just a very mind pleasing aspect of no stress." These sentiments, while not directly attributable to Ms. Lee alone, reflect the kind of client satisfaction often found in high-performing legal teams in which she is a leading member.

As a highly experienced and nationally recognized attorney operating within a prominent global law firm specializing in complex commercial real estate and financial transactions, Elizabeth C. Lee does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a consumer-facing business might. Her legal services are sought after for their depth of expertise, strategic insight, and proven track record in high-value, intricate legal matters.

Clients interested in engaging Ms. Lee's services, or those of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, are encouraged to contact her office directly. During an initial consultation, potential clients can discuss their specific legal needs, the scope of the project, and the firm's fee structure, which is customized based on the complexity and duration of the work. This approach ensures that clients receive tailored legal solutions that align precisely with their objectives, rather than a generalized package. We recommend reaching out to her office to explore how her specialized knowledge can benefit your real estate or financial undertakings in Washington, D.C.

Address: 1200 19th St NW #500, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 857-4437

Mobile Phone: +1 202-857-4437

For businesses, financial institutions, and developers in the District of Columbia, Elizabeth C. Lee stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal professional. Her office's prime location at 1200 19th St NW, perfectly nestled in D.C.'s central business district, offers unmatched accessibility. With multiple Metro stations within easy walking distance and comprehensive bus routes serving the area, local clients can effortlessly access her expertise for crucial consultations and ongoing legal work. This convenience minimizes logistical hurdles, allowing for more efficient and productive collaboration.

What truly distinguishes Ms. Lee for D.C. locals, however, is her specialized and extensive experience in the very areas that drive the capital's economy: commercial real estate and secured lending. In a city where property development and financial transactions are constant and often complex, having an attorney with over 30 years of dedicated experience in these fields is invaluable. Her deep understanding of local market dynamics, combined with her national reputation for successfully navigating intricate financing and real estate deals, provides D.C. clients with a significant strategic advantage. Whether it's a large-scale mixed-use development, a complex loan restructuring, or an equity investment, Ms. Lee's proven track record ensures that local businesses receive sophisticated, effective, and results-driven legal counsel.

Furthermore, her leadership roles in prestigious national legal organizations and consistent recognition in industry rankings like Chambers USA and Super Lawyers reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of real property law. For D.C. locals, this means partnering with an attorney who is not only a seasoned practitioner but also a respected thought leader, providing peace of mind that their most significant real estate and financial matters are in the hands of a true expert. Elizabeth C. Lee is an indispensable resource for those seeking top-tier legal guidance in the demanding D.C. commercial real estate and finance sectors.