Profiles of local brokers and other dealmakers in commercial real estate still making a go of it despite the down market:

CHAUNCEY SWALWELL

, 45

Partner

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, Century City

The veteran real estate attorney at Stroock & Stroock has managed to stay active during the downturn, handling more than $500 million in loan workouts and restructurings.

Biggest Challenge: Helping clients understand and deal with the continuing paralysis in the market, especially on the debt side. Many clients are particularly frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of focus and willingness by many lenders to work through problem properties.

Tough Recent Deal: One deal that just closed: a borrower’s purchase of its own senior debt from a commercial mortgage-backed securities trust at a severe discount. It involved months of negotiations with the special servicer. It was a shopping center property and we are purchasing the notes for less than 10 cents on the dollar.

Secret of Success: The ability to “cut to the chase” to find creative solutions. I’m also not afraid to look to the simplest solutions first; many lawyers have a tendency to make things complicated.

Sage Advice: Take the work and your clients’ problems seriously, but never take yourself too seriously.

Recent Splurge: Flowers for my wife of 20 years.

Recession Cutback: Any hope of retiring any time soon!