Summary
The Real Estate Practice Group has a national practice providing guidance on all stages of the commercial real estate life cycle - acquisition, leasing, ownership and operation, and disposition. We recognize that each client has its specific needs and each transaction has distinct aspects; institutional investors and smaller developers also have different concerns, sensitivities, and goals. Having years of experience with a wide variety of projects, we are able to draw from that background to provide cost-efficient advice tailored to meet the needs of each client.
Acquisition and Disposition
We represent a range of clients from individuals acquiring and selling investment properties to Fortune 500 clients that hold real estate to satisfy their business needs as headquarters or other facilities. We are able to assist from the letter of intent stage to due diligence to closing.
Leasing and Brokerage
Our experience in this area covers all types of properties – office, industrial, retail, and mixed use. We represent landlords, tenants, assignees, subtenants, and other occupants, as well as brokers, and therefore handle the negotiation of all agreements related to these arrangements.
Management and Operation
Many of our clients outsource the management of their properties to third parties, and we assist with the development of the management agreements that address the specific requirements of each party. On the other hand, sometimes our clients need assistance with a more limited purpose, such as the review of a specific vendor contract. In either situation, we have the experience to tackle each project with experience and efficiency.
Construction
New construction and renovations are an integral part of developing and maintaining real estate. We provide guidance from the perspectives of both the owner and the contractor in facilitating a smooth transaction. In addition, energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly valuable components of enhancing real estate, and our experience includes representing clients where obtaining LEED certifications are an integral part of their construction.
Equity Investment, Entity Formation, and Representation
The type and formation of the entity holding title to real estate has important implications vis-à-vis taxes, income generation, and exposure to liability from third parties involved with real estate, as well as many other facets. Our Real Estate Practice Group works closely with the Corporate Practice Group, the Tax Practice Group, and, where applicable, the Trusts and Estates Practice Group, to ensure the formation and maintenance of an entity that best achieves each client’s real estate goals to address those facets. With respect to an entity that is already formed, our Practice Groups provide insight on any changes that may be needed as laws and cases evolve. This work covers the range of single member limited liability companies, joint ventures, institutional investors, private equity investors, and real estate investment trusts.
Financing
The Real Estate Practice Group works closely with the Banking and Financial Services Practice Group to provide our clients with comprehensive financing services for commercial transactions.
Disputes
When disputes regarding real estate issues arise and require formal proceedings, our Litigation Department has the expertise to provide the counsel needed to resolve the matter in as firm, but reasonable and thoughtful, manner as possible given the circumstances. These issues vary from a straightforward eviction under a lease to complex litigation with a multitude of issues.
