Title: Partner
Company: Riemer & Braunstein LLP
Location: New York, New York, United States
Meryl P. Diamond, Esq., Partner at Riemer & Braunstein LLP, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements and leadership in Real Estate Finance Law.
Ms. Diamond is widely acknowledged for her expertise in real estate finance law, representing institutional lenders in all aspects of lending origination, sales and purchase workouts, and foreclosures. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and adaptability within the evolving legal landscape. Since 2026, Ms. Diamond has served as a partner at Riemer & Braunstein LLP in New York City, where she continues to build on her reputation for innovative problem-solving and patient client service. Her approach to legal practice is grounded in respect for all team members and clients alike, fostering collaborative relationships that have defined her professional journey.
Before joining Riemer & Braunstein LLP, Ms. Diamond was the director at McCoy & Orta P.C. from 2024 to 2025. She entered this role following a period of reflection about her career direction after significant changes at her previous firm. The transition presented new challenges in a different lending environment with unfamiliar clients and documentation. Although she appreciated the opportunity to work with new colleagues and clients, Ms. Diamond ultimately found the firm’s scale did not align with her professional aspirations and chose to take time off before pursuing her next opportunity.
Between 2005 and 2024, Ms. Diamond was a partner at Alston & Bird LLP. During this nearly two-decade tenure, she cultivated enduring client relationships and navigated shifts within the firm’s leadership and culture. Ms. Diamond’s decision to leave was motivated by a desire for renewed professional fulfillment when the firm’s direction no longer resonated with her values or enjoyment of the work environment she had cherished since becoming a partner.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Diamond served as an associate at Dechert LLP from 2002 to 2005, following a similar role at TPW LLC between 1999 and 2002. These foundational roles allowed her to develop technical proficiency in transactional real estate law and establish the groundwork for her later achievements. In addition to her private practice roles, Ms. Diamond contributed significantly to legal education as an adjunct professor at the school of law at her alma mater, St. John’s University, in Queens, New York, from 2019 to 2025.
Ms. Diamond’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her career achievements. Her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Arts from Binghamton University, State University of New York, in 1992. From there, she acquired a Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, from the school of law at St. John’s University in 1999, where she excelled academically and took pride in both intellectual challenge and collegiality among peers. While working toward her law degree, Ms. Diamond also served as the managing editor of St. John’s Law Review, an early indication of her commitment to scholarship and mentorship within the legal profession. Following graduation, she was admitted to practice by the New York Bar Association.
Active in her professional community, Ms. Diamond is recognized as a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, a highly selective honor that recognizes exceptional achievement among peers, and maintains active membership in the New York State Bar Association, the CRE Finance Council and the Mortgage Bankers Association. She also serves on the advisory board of the Mattone Family Institute for Real Estate Law at the school of law at St. John’s University. As an expert in her field, Ms. Diamond continues to engage in ongoing authorship projects for professional organizations, such as the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.
Among her civic engagements, Ms. Diamond provides volunteer service with Dove USA Missions, reflecting a commitment to giving back beyond professional obligations. The organization focuses on short-term mission outreaches and assisting with the development of compassion ministries to meet the needs of people experiencing poverty.
Throughout her career, Ms. Diamond has emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with clients and treating every individual with respect regardless of their role within an organization. She values transactional work for its collaborative nature and credits her success to patience, innovative thinking and a genuine enjoyment of her field.
Looking ahead, Ms. Diamond aims to continue growing professionally within real estate finance law while remaining intellectually stimulated by new developments in the field. She is dedicated to ongoing teaching and mentoring, both within her firm and through academic channels, ensuring that future generations benefit from her experience and insight. Through decades of achievement across practice, education and community service, Ms. Diamond stands out as an accomplished leader whose expertise continues to shape real estate finance law.
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