DJ Cress is a member of the Firm’s Real Estate & Lending Service Team. She concentrates her practice on commercial lending transactions and the sale, acquisition, leasing and development of commercial property.

Professional Experience

• Jefferson County Circuit Court - Judicial Extern to the Honorable Angela McCormick Bisig
• United States Army - Healthcare Specialist (2012 - 2014)

Education

J.D., University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, magna cum laude, 2021

• Published member of the University of Louisville Law Review

B.S. University of Louisville, Law and Public Policy, 2018

Distinctions

• Recognized by Best Lawyers® as “Ones to Watch" in Real Estate Law, 2026

Professional Activities

• Kentucky Bar Association Real Property Law Section, Chair
• Kentucky Bar Association Public Interest Section, Former Chair
• Legal Aid Society - Pro Bono Attorney with the Veterans Unit

• Handle real estate due diligence for a fast growing plastic pipe manufacturer for its acquisitions across the country, troubleshooting any issues that arise, including a fraudulent claim on title and the erroneous inclusion of more than 300 acres in an easement.
• Assisted an $11 billion joint venture, and its successor, by leading the project management for contract reviews during its dissolution. 
• Assist our environmental lawyers with a specialized consulting firm’s project involving rivers/watersheds where we’re managing the due diligence associated with their desired conservation easement.
• Assist  a private equity/real estate group with  a tenant issue at a site in Georgia it acquired to recover the outstanding balance.

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