Cynthia Olsen

Cynthia’s practice primarily involves the representation of lenders and borrowers in connection with the financing of commercial real estate projects. She also maintains a significant affordable housing practice, representing nonprofit entities that own and develop affordable housing projects in Texas.

Cynthia has earned a reputation as a collaborator and problem solver. Shared goals, teamwork, and the opportunity to be involved in transactions that make positive contributions to the community make real estate law attractive to her. She’s energized by the clients she works with and the opportunity to learn from the unique challenges posed by each project.

Sometimes her clients get caught up in an endless cycle of “what ifs,” worrying about the different directions that a matter may take. Cynthia has a knack for helping her clients focus on those aspects of a matter they can control, and she anticipates and addresses each of those issues so the transaction can move forward smoothly with mitigated risk.

Cynthia understands that a calm approach to stressful situations is necessary in the real estate business. Having practical experience from working on a vast spectrum of real estate projects over a long career allows her to handle multiple facets of complex transactions and meet the deadlines inherent in all real estate matters.

“The pace at which real estate matters move is much faster than in the past, with greater availability and sharing of information. That’s why it’s important to communicate quickly in ways that best respond to the client’s needs. At the same time, the role of a good attorney is to pause occasionally and make sure everyone is still focused on the big picture. That way, you aren’t just reacting, but rather thinking things through logically and systematically to ensure nothing crucial gets missed as you move toward the finish line.”

In 2019, Cynthia served as the board president of the Risk Management Association (Gulf Coast Chapter), which helps educate risk management professionals about how to advance the use of sound risk management principles in the financial services industry.

Cynthia earned her B.A. in law from Baylor University in 1983, Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. from Baylor Law School, cum laude, in 1985. She is a member of her church’s prayer team.