The Real Deal: Leo Jacobs Exclusive
Jacobs P.C.
The Real Deal Spotlights Leo Jacobs - Read the Article Here
In an industry where silence is safety, Leo Jacobs is anything but quiet.
The September 2025 issue of The Real Deal dives deep into the rise of commercial real estate’s most visible — and most controversial — restructuring attorney. From humble beginnings in Queens to high-stakes showdowns on Fifth Avenue, Leo Jacobs is now the first call for real estate’s biggest borrowers when distress strikes.
Big Borrowers. Bigger Risks.
The profile highlights Jacobs’ client roster — a who’s who of distressed real estate.
These developers and syndicators are facing personal guarantees, foreclosure threats, and hundreds of millions in distressed debt — and Jacobs is leading the defense.
“Leo’s team is relentless and creative and thinks outside the box compared to some of the legacy firms.” — Michael Stern, JDS Development.
The "Negative One to Zero" Philosophy
Jacobs’ signature line — “I’ll get you from negative one to zero” — has become a mantra for borrowers in trouble. He doesn’t promise to restore lost equity. He promises to help borrowers survive and restructure with clarity and leverage.
The article details his tactics:
- Suing to stop UCC auctions
- Challenging deeds-in-lieu as conditional
- Disqualifying opposing counsel
- Using bankruptcy as leverage (not as surrender)
Sometimes aggressive. Always calculated.
“I’m the last person you want to work with… and now all of a sudden, you’ve gotta work with a guy like me.” — Leo Jacobs.
From WeWork to 717 Fifth Ave
The Real Deal traces Jacobs’ personal and professional transformation:
✅ Born Ilevu Yakubov — now known citywide as Leo Jacobs
✅ Started with sidewalk violations — now advises on $5B in debt
✅ Ran a firm in Queens — now operates out of Plaza District
✅ Reps restaurateurs and billionaires alike
Whether he's winning a TRO against lenders or hosting his podcast Confronting the Impossible, Jacobs has built a brand around boldness — and results.
The Real Deal calls him “the P.T. Barnum of bankruptcy and litigation.”
But for clients whose legacy, assets, and personal wealth are on the line, Leo Jacobs isn’t a showman — he’s the guide through the storm.
📌 Read the full article in The Real Deal
Then bookmark 1800CallLeo.com — in case the impossible finds you next..
PODCAST - Confronting the Impossible with Leo Jacobs.
Leo Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Jacobs PC
Known for finding creative, expedient solutions to complex and high-profile cases, Leo excels in matters including distressed investment and asset management, real estate law, corporate law, dispute resolution, business divorces, negotiation, and more. Leo’s extensive expertise in debt and equity structures enables him to employ a full spectrum of legal tools to achieve swift, optimal results for clients. His practice, Jacobs P.C., bridges commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and financial rehabilitation, handling cases across federal, state, and bankruptcy courts, as well as administrative tribunals.
If you would like to join the podcast email requests to pr@jacobspc.com
