‘I believe in finding opportunities even in challenges’

By Tony Sanchez 11th March 2025

In our latest five minute interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Juliet Baboolal, Partner at gunnercooke.

gunnercooke is a high-growth, high-performance professional services firm, with a rapidly growing number of experts spanning legal and other disciplines.

Juliet offers expertise in Real Estate Finance, with over 20 years of experience working with lenders in both the short- and long-term lending space in matters including acquisitions refinance and restructurings, domestically and internationally.

Juliet has successfully represented lenders in a wide range of loan transactions, including short and long-term loans, bridging loans, development loans involving residential, commercial, mixed-use, bare land, mezzanine finance, second charges, and transactions involving title insurance.

She holds an LLM in construction law and this combined with her expertise in mortgage litigation allows her to anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business?

One of the best aspects of being a female lawyer in the bridging and development finance business is the opportunity to drive positive change in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Women in this sector bring unique perspectives and insights that can lead to more innovative solutions and inclusive practices.

Additionally, being part of a growing community of women in finance allows for networking and mentorship opportunities, fostering collaboration and support among peers.

It’s empowering to advocate for clients’ interests while contributing to projects that can have a lasting impact on communities and economies.

What keeps you focused?

Ultimately, the ability to break barriers and inspire future generations of women in finance makes this career path especially rewarding.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

Being genuine is one of the most important qualities I look for in my employees and colleagues, including honesty, integrity, and the ability to communicate openly.

These traits foster trust and collaboration, which are essential for a productive work environment.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m an optimist; I believe in finding opportunities even in challenges, which helps me stay motivated and resilient.

What did you want to be as a child?

As a child, I wanted to be an angel investor because I was fascinated by the idea of supporting visionary entrepreneurs and helping them turn their dreams into reality.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months?

The greatest challenge facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months will be adjusting to fluctuating interest rates and economic instability, which could affect project funding and investor confidence.

Adapting to these changes will require innovative strategies and strong risk management.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My son makes me laugh; his playful imagination and unexpected antics always brighten my day.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I don’t dread Monday mornings; I think of every day as a Friday, which keeps me excited about the opportunities each week brings.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about myself, it would be to become more decisive in challenging situations.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I would love to have dinner with Harriet Tubman; her bravery and dedication to freedom are incredibly inspiring, and I would love to hear her stories firsthand.