Joshua Mermelstein, a real estate partner with Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, died on March 4, 2021, at the age of 66.
An outsized presence in the real estate industry, Mr. Mermelstein joined the Fried Frank in 1981 and became partner in the Real Estate Department in 1986.
His work played a significant role in shaping the New York City skyline and his projects included work in Battery Park City, Manhattan West, and many other developments around the city.
During a storied legal career, Mr. Mermelstein represented many prominent clients, including Brookfield Office Properties, Brookfield Asset Management, RXR Realty, China Investment Corporation, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Firmdale Hotels, and Atria Assisted Living.
Jonathan L. Mechanic, chairman of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department, said, “My friend and partner for 40 years, Josh was a brilliant lawyer, selfless mentor, and close friend to countless individuals. He was widely loved and respected by everyone in the real estate community and his passing is a shock to us all.”
Company chairman David J. Greenwald added, “It was a privilege to know and work with Josh, who was one of my closest advisors at the firm. He always had impeccable judgment, acted with the highest integrity, and always chose kindness first. His loss will be felt for years to come.”
Mr. Mermelstein received a JD from Columbia University Law School (’80), where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and an AB, from Columbia College (’77).
He is survived by his wife Beth, his children Avi, Jesse, and Jonah, his grandchildren, and his mother.
