Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton covers the full spectrum of real estate finance matters including mortgage loan originations, acquisitions of a whole host of asset classes. and joint ventures. The firm is well versed in distressed matters, routinely handling significant debt restructuring, the refinancing of loans, and modifications. The team is also increasingly representing clients on the formation of credit and real estate investing platforms. Daniel Reynolds heads the team, which is rounded out in New York with Steven Wilner and Joseph Lanzkron. Wilner is sought after for advice on key acquisitions and investments. Reynolds is well positioned to advise on real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures and continues to advise Brookfield Real Estate Finance Partners as lender on major loans. Lanzkron represents both borrowers and lenders and has advised Goldman Sachs on multiple high value loan originations.

Dechert LLP’s real estate finance practice excels in the structuring and origination of complex commercial real estate financings. The team stands out for advising major lenders on structured finance, leveraged finance and securitisation matters across all asset classes. Alongside its deep expertise in CMBS transactions, the practice is also well versed in distressed debt investment, loan modifications, and restructurings. Practice heads Laura Swihart and Stewart McQueen lead a deep bench of specialists from New York and North Carolina, respectively. Swihart is an expert in handling securitsed and structured finance matters for a range of clients including issuers, underwriters, mortgage loan sellers and subordinate bond buyers. Core to Mcqueen’s practice is advice on CRE CLO transactions for parties from issuers to collateral managers.  New York based David Forti is co-chair of the firm and is highly reputed for transactions relating to mezzanine financing and loan sales and purchases. Forming a leading nation-wide practice, key practitioners include Matthew Ginsburg and lender-focused Jason S Rozes in Philadelphia and Devin M. Swaney in New York, who is an expert in public and private asset-backed securitisations. Financial institutions in New York rely on Matthew H. Fischer for establishing servicing and corresponding lending facilities for mortgage loans. Other lawyers of note are Gennady A. Gorel, Kenneth Hackman and Nitya Kumar Goyal in Pennsylvania. Richard Jones retired in 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The real estate finance group at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP  has an enviable client list, representing leading real estate lenders, operators and developers on high-value acquisitions and construction loans of all asset types. The firm has recently been active in the hospitality and leisure, student housing, logistics, multifamily and data center sectors. Investment firms, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices also rely on the team for various financing matters. Core to the practice is assisting clients on the full gamut of matters including mortgage and mezzanine loans, joint ventures, preferred equity investments, funds work and distressed issues such as loan modifications and workouts. Seasoned real estate experts Eric Feuerstein and Jesse Sharf jointly lead the practice from New York (NY) and Los Angeles respectively. Feuerstein is highly experienced in joint ventures, lending transactions and debt purchases while Sharf is renowned for his expertise in workouts, syndications, and construction and mezzanine lending. Also in NY is the reputed Michael Weinberger who recently worked on a major financing of logistic facilities for lead lender Goldman Sachs. The NY office houses Noam Haberman who represents banks and funds as both borrowers and lenders, focusing on the origination, purchase, and sale of the full breadth of loan types. In NY, syndicated, securitized, and single-lender loans are a mainstay of Aaron Beim’s practice while Krystyna Blakeslee, who joined from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in 2024, concentrates on major commercial real estate transactions and Eric Meer proficiently navigates construction and development-related transactions. San Francisco-based Kahlil Yearwood is highlighted for complex portfolio loan transactions. Other stand-out practitioners include Farshad Morè from Century City, who represents opportunity and private equity funds and REITs, Drew Flowers, and Mike Szczurek from Los Angeles. Victoria Shusterman left in 2024.

Lauded for its expertise in CMBS transactions, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP‘s practice places an emphasis on the origination of mortgage and mezzanine loans. Beyond the practice’s focus on commercial real estate loan originations, the team also advises on a growing stream of refinancing mandates. Among its clientele are financial institutions JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, who turn for their most complex lending work, including syndicated lending matters. Heading up the practice from New York is key practitioner Bonnie Neuman who represents global investment banks, financial institutions, investors and servicers in major transactions across the full range of asset classes. Neuman is highly active in the financing of commercial properties such as hotels, shopping centers, recreational activities, and multi-use projects. In Charlotte, Holly Chamberlain‘s impressive track record extends to SASB securitised deals and refinancing existing CMBS loans. Also in Charlotte, both Molly Lovedale and Christopher Dickson have experience with multi-state, multi-property pooled transactions and are noted for capabilities in the servicing and sale of mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, and participation interests. Working with Neuman in New York, real estate finance lawyer Nicholas Brandfon acts on loan sales, restructurings, and bankruptcy-related matters.

 

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP’s group is composed of a finance practice and a corporate practice, providing its clients with in-depth advice in both domains. The practice has maintained its longstanding reputation for its borrower-side representation and continues to grow its lending practice. The practice draws on deep real estate and corporate expertise to advise on the full range of mandates from joint ventures and preferred equity investments to portfolio transactions and recapitalizations. The CRE practice is led by Fiona Kelly while the real estate finance practice is co-headed by Michael Barker and Michael Vines. Barker is a go-to for the origination of mortgage and mezzanine loans and pre-development loans while Vines is a stellar lender-side counsel, covering the sale of mortgage and subordinate debt for clients like JPMorgan, for which he is the firm’s key client contact. CRE specialist Kelly concentrates on joint venture platforms and their investments and property and equity transfers. Steven Rudgayzer ‘s practice centers on complex joint venture transactions, predominantly acting for private equity funds. Kabaye Liku represents large institutional syndicate and balance sheet lenders on originations for a range of property types including office and multifamily buildings and data processing centres. Patrick Dowd is well-versed in preferred and common equity joint venture arrangements and has substantial expertise in hospitality, particularly with leading hotel acquisition, disposition and financing transactions. Matthew Aldana is also highlighted. All aforementioned lawyers are located in New York.

 

 

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to represent lenders in major developments of all asset types including data centers, retail, and multifamily. The team is well versed in advising on mortgage and mezzanine financings as well as preferred equity investments. Brett Gross and Laurie Grasso lead the New York practice while co-head Howard Schreiber is in charge of the Dallas practice. Gross focuses largely on securitized and portfolio mortgage lending and co-lending and participation arrangements. Schreiber is noted for his extensive knowledge of construction and permanent lending. Also in Dallas, Kathleen Wu is trusted by a wide range of clients, from borrowers and lenders to servicers, buyers, and sellers. Peter Mignone has a dual-sided practice, advising institutional lenders on the origination of mortgage and mezzanine loans and counseling clients on the restructuring of distressed loans. Real estate finance specialist Matthew Halal is noted for his expertise in all aspects of securitized financings.

 

 

The cornerstone of Jones Day’s real estate and financial markets practice is its representation of lenders in the full breadth of real estate transactions. Beyond the firm’s focus on lenders, it also has strengths on the borrowers’ side, advising property owners, investors and private equity funds. In San Francisco, practice head David Paulson is active in secured and unsecured financings and subordinated loans. Fellow co-head Richard Rosenblatt runs the gamut in Atlanta and is particularly noted for his capabilities in bilateral and syndicated real estate finance transactions. Chicago-based David Woods and commercial lending specialist Mark Biggar, are other integral team members. Based in Washington DC, Michael Riess has expertise in structuring and closing complex construction lending transactions while Daniel French advises on single-asset and portfolio transactions from Atlanta. John K. Tomes is also highlighted for his experience assisting with the financing and refinancing of properties and portfolios, including multifamily, student housing and healthcare projects.

Milbank is a go-to firm for distressed commercial real estate, specializing in high-profile UCC foreclosures and distressed debt workouts. The firm has been advising on a growing stream of distressed mandates, particularly in the office sector. Erwin Dweck leads the New York-based practice, leveragin deep experience in commercial real estate. Dweck is trusted for top-rate advice throughout the entire capital stack, sought after by leading asset managers for commercial real estate acquisitions, financings and loan modifications. Kevin O’Shea provides expert counsel on mezzanine loan foreclosures, while Yaakov Sheinfeld is lauded for handling the full breadth of real estate investments, dispositions, and foreclosures. Focusing chiefly on data center financing, Jonathan Karl is adept at advising institutional lenders on debt and equity transactions. Supporting Karl on high-profile data center-related matters is stand-out Nicolette Sullivan.

 

Arnold & Porter‘s workload consists mainly of mortgage and mezzanine financings, representing borrowers and lenders in transactions involving mortgage and mezzanine debt. The team handles matters across a range of asset classes, including office, retail, hospitality, multifamily, industrial and mixed-use properties. New York-based practice head Steve Gliatta has extensive expertise in representing investment banks and institutional lenders. Also in New York, co-head Jeffrey Kapner handles acquisitions and dispositions while Amy Rifkind in Washington DC is a commercial real estate specialist. Located in New York, Louis Hait is another name of note.

Eversheds Sutherland‘s real estate finance practice specializes in debt and equity real estate transactions, advising borrowers and lenders on the structuring of funds, formation of joint ventures, and the financing of assets. The firm excels in advising on construction and permanent mortgage loans as well as on subordinate and mezzanine lending. The team is sought after by a diverse clientele, from financial institutions and institutional investors to national real estate investors, syndicators, and commercial loan servicers. Practice head Lisa Rosen in Washington DC maintains her reputation as an expert in structured finance, handling complex securitizations for major capital providers. In New York, John Benson is highly knowledgeable about securitized loans and structured finance and provides unrivaled advice on the impact of regulations on commercial mortgage origination and loan servicing. William Rothschild draws on two decades of experience to advise on major projects, data centers, and CMBS servicing matters. John Busillo is also highlighted for his expertise in workouts and the disposition of distressed real estate. Virginia Worthy is experienced in advising on complex debt stack structures while Thomas Dugan handles the full range of conduit, SASB, agency, and single-family securitizations. David Cone in Atlanta also comes recommended.

Fielding real estate, finance and restructuring expertise, McDermott Will & Emery LLP is a popular choice for private equity sponsors, lenders and developers engaging in marquee real estate development projects. The practice has a sizeable workload consisting of refinancings, restructurings, workouts, and construction loans. David Wolff and Mal Serure lead the practice from Los Angeles and Chicago respectively. Wolff is a key contact for private equity firms while Serure brings deep knowledge of the purchase of loans and purchase and sale of commercial properties to bear to advise domestic and international clients. In particular, Japanese clients can rely on Serure for specialist advice. Based in New York and Los Angeles respectively, other standout practitioners are commercial real estate experts Elias Eliopoulos, and Zena M. Ho, who closely support Serure on financing transactions and distressed matters. In the New York office, Brian Donnelly maintains strengths in the debt sector and the equity practice assisted by another highlighted practitioner, Scott Weinberg. Justin Bender is also a stand-out member of the team, routinely leading transactions involving large portfolios of properties. Benjamin Kryder and Stephanie Stein are other names of note.

Paul Hastings LLP excels across a number of sectors but stands out for retail financing by virtue of the head of the New York-based practice Rick Allendorf’s extensive expertise in the area. Specializing in debt finance, Allendorf takes the lead at advising on the firm’s most prominent recent deals, including all of Morgan Stanley’s loans to Brookfield Properties in 2024. The team has deep experience in secured financings, routinely originating loans for securitization and restructuring secured debt. A mainstay of Lisa Chaney ‘s practice is advising major banks on the acquisition, restructuring, and modification of domestic mortgage loan warehouse facilities. Real estate finance specialist David Broderick, who joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in 2024, has a strong track record on mortgage, bridge, and mezzanine financings and is a key contact for Apollo Global Management. Michael Berman is a go-to for private equity firms and hedge funds, working on both debt and equity representations in connection with the full breadth of asset classes. Eric Schwitzer is an expert in fund finance matters and advises on domestic and international matters, namely cross-border investment platforms. Another key contact is Jason Stratmoen who concentrates on commercial real estate. John Cahill  departed in 2024.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP receives high praise for its real estate finance team which represents institutional lenders, including several of the nation’s top insurance company mortgage originators and commercial loan servicers. The team handles a broad range of transactions from CMBS and CLO financings to healthcare finance and mezzanine structures. Leading the team is Daniel Evans in New York and Jay Wardlaw in Atlanta. Evans focuses on mortgage and mezzanine loan transactions while Wardlaw centers his practice on cross-country loans, including permanent mortgage, bridge, and construction loans. The group maintains dedicated specialty areas in different sectors such as healthcare real estate finance, headed up by Robin Freeman in San Francisco as well as distressed situations. In Charlotte, Katie Schwarting is a go-to for special servicing. The practice’s restructuring capabilities are further bolstered by Sadia Ghazi as well as restructuring expert Jason DeJonker and structured finance specialist Rick White. The team has also been bolstered by the addition of John Domby’s Charlotte-based originations practice in June 2024.

 

The real estate finance group at Ballard Spahr LLP maintains a strong national presence handling complex debt and equity transactions across the United States. The practice is particularly adept at structuring and documenting various types of loans, including senior and junior mortgage loans, construction financing, bridge loans, and mezzanine facilities. The firm has latterly served clients facing problems with legacy loans, assisting with loan restructurings, enforcement, and sales. The group operates under the leadership of Dominic De Simone  in Philadelphia as finance co-chair, alongside real estate finance practice group leaders Siobhan O’Donnell in Los Angeles and Thomas Hauser in Baltimore. Finance specialist De Simone is experienced in representing real estate purchasers, sellers, and developers and routinely advises on balance sheet and CMBS loan originations, and construction loans. Hauser has expertise in the purchase, sale, and financing of office and multifamily complexes, senior living facilities, and student housing. CMBS loan originations and bridge lending form a key pillar of commercial real estate finance expert O’Donnell’s practice. Ashley DeLuca specializes in the development of commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Maulin Vidwans, Chrissey Barba, Jennifer Santangelo in Philadelphia and Joseph W. Weill in New Jersey are other key lawyers to note.

 

Dentons draws on its broad footprint to advise on cross-border real estate transactions, with a particular specialism in CRE financings. The firm represents domestic and international borrowers and lenders, ranging from banks, life insurance companies, and debt funds on cross-border transactions. In New York, Richard Stempler has a focus on all aspects of commercial real estate financing including CMBS, balance sheet lending, and preferred equity while Jonathan Jacobs routinely advises on commercial mortgage and mezzanine lending. In the Kansas City office, Sarah Armendariz is experienced in construction and acquisition financing. In San Diego, Kelvin Hsu‘s practice covers originations of loans secured by the full range of properties from single and trophy to multi-state portfolio transactions.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s real estate finance team is spearheaded by Michael Moser in Westchester County and Cory Tessler in New York. The team represents a diverse roster of clients including insurance companies, investment banks, commercial banks, private equity funds, and REITs in complex financing transactions across all property sectors. Its work spans traditional asset classes like office and retail, along with alternative sectors such as life sciences, data centers, and senior care facilities. Moser, and Michael Davis, are noted for expertise in permanent, bridge, construction, and mezzanine loans, as well as loan workouts and restructuring. Jon Robins is active in matters related to structured finance products and preferred equity investments. The ‘phenomenal’ Nancy Lash is also recommended. Ankush Israni, Paul Williams and Marc Lazar joined from Jones Day, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and Goodwin respectively in 2024.

Bolstered by the integration of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP’s real estate practice, Hogan Lovells US LLP has strong capabilities in representing real estate funds and asset managers. The team handles the financing and refinancing of major loans including mortgage loans and portfolio loans secured by a wide range of asset types. Lea Ann Fowler from Denver jointly leads the team alongside Jeffrey Keitelman who splits his time in Washington DC and New York. Lea Ann Fowler regularly handles construction loans for clients in the hotel and resort, retail, and healthcare sectors. Based in New York, Brian Diamond is a go-to for institutional investors like JPMorgan while Ana Tenzer is well-versed in single and multi-property commercial mortgage loans.

Holland & Knight LLP’s real estate finance practice represents US and foreign banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and debt funds on a range of commercial real estate asset types. Heading the team is Joseph Guay in New York. David Packer in Century City represents lenders and borrowers in the full gamut of financings, including permanent, bridge, construction, and mezzanine. Located in the Charlotte office, David Iacuzio oversees CMBS and CLO programs. John Decker, David Jacobs and Vivian Arias in Charlotte, Dallas, and New York respectively are also highlighted.

 

 

 

 

New York-based firm Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP primarily focuses on real estate finance matters in New York but is also proficient in working on nationwide projects. The team advises lenders and borrowers, alongside major New York landlords, private equity funds, and retail and office tenants. Practice head Julian Wise advises on a broad range of transactions including multi-tranche mezzanine financings and, on the operator side, the acquisition and disposition of different asset classes such as office, retail and hotel properties. Ari Aranda is another key member of the team.

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s real estate finance practice sits within the real estate department and is prominent in the commercial real estate financing space. Alongside being highly active in the CMBS sector, the team has capabilities in subordinate financing, distressed real estate matters and corporate facilities. Sasan Mehrara is the head of the team in New York which has been bolstered by the addition of Aron Zuckerman who joined from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in May 2024. Zuckerman excels in the full breadth of financing transactions including mortgage and mezzanine financings and preferred equity structures. Also located in New York, Whitney Salinas stands out for her expertise in CMBS financing structures while Erik Quarfont handles real estate acquisitions and dispositions.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s real estate finance practice, co-led by David Drewes and Carly Glover Saviano  in New York, alongside Misty Sanford who chairs the West Coast practice from California, handles complex transactions for lenders. The practice is particularly active in advising debt funds, banks, and life insurance companies on loan originations, syndications, and remedies across various asset classes including life sciences, data centers, gaming, and industrial properties. The group leverages its multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with the firm’s corporate, tax, and restructuring teams to handle sophisticated transactions, including the acquisition and disposition of balance sheet and CMBS mortgage loans and mezzanine loans on behalf of lenders. Joint ventures and financings form the core of Daniel Backer and Jennifer Coffey‘s practice. Krystyna Blakeslee and Thomas Henry have left the firm.

 

 

The real estate finance practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles a broad spectrum of mandates, covering acquisitions, dispositions, and financings of all standard real estate asset types. Vanessa Sunshine leads the team from California and has a strong background in the acquisition, disposition and financing of assets, with a niche in senior living facilities and golf courses. More broadly, the team handles debt-related matters such as mortgage loans, construction loans, and CMBS loans. In New York, William Campbell focuses on commercial real estate transactions while Eugene Balshem leads on lending transactions, including the origination, purchase, sale, and securitization of senior and subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans. Distressed real estate expert Varuna Bhattacharyya in New York, and Justin Steinmark and Margot Wainger who are both based in Miami are all key to the practice.

Cox, Castle & Nicholson‘s real estate finance practice serves a diverse client base including national and regional banks, insurance companies, private equity firms, and debt funds, as well as developers and institutional investors. Led by Los Angeles-based co-heads Adam Weissburg and Caroline Dreyfus, the team handles a comprehensive range of financing matters, from originations to workouts and enforcement. Their expertise spans various property types, including resort and hotel, industrial, retail, multifamily, and healthcare facilities across the United States. Alongside its recognition in acquisition, development, and construction financing, the firm is also well-versed in secondary market transactions, which Katherine Bissett excels in.

Dickinson Wright PLLC assists borrowers and lenders nationwide in commercial mortgage transactions, and particularly stands out for its work with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s multifamily and mortgage loans. The team also has experience with international clients, specifically with Canada-based lenders. In Troy, Katheryne Zelenock and Michael Lusardi co-head the practice. Zelenock routinely leads on the closing of commercial and multifamily mortgage loans on behalf of national lenders. Another integral member of the team is James B. Cunningham, who focuses on real estate-based acquisitions.

 

Goodwin ‘s real estate finance team is led by the co-chair of the firm’s global real estate industry group, Diana Brummer, from New York. Brummer has deep experience commercial real estate transactions and specializes in complex joint ventures as well as construction and mezzanine financings for both lenders and borrowers. Practising in Boston, Diane McCabe is co-chair of the real estate group’s joint Ventures and real estate finance practice and focuses on the hospitality and leisure sector and restructurings. Feather Moy-Welsh represents lenders in real estate secured financings.

 

 

Husch Blackwell LLP‘s real estate finance practice centres on debt financing, including acquisition and development loans. The firm regularly serves as local counsel for lenders and borrowers throughout the Midwest, West and Mid-South. Daniel Bray leads the firm in Denver and advises on mortgage and mezzanine loans, with particular expertise in the fields of storage, manufactured housing, hospitality, resort, and senior housing properties. In Milwaukee, Rebecca Mitich has deep knowledge of tax-advantaged real estate development work, representing developers and national commercial banks in construction financing projects. Based in St. Louis, David Richardson is also noted.

King & Spalding‘s real estate and funds team’s caseload includes representing private funds on the purchase, structuring, and closing of mortgage loans. The team also handles cross-border transactions and represents clients in the raising of equity and debt capital. From New York, Jennifer Morgan, who focuses on raising capital and the formation of joint ventures, jointly leads the team alongside Erik Andersen, who advises on structuring loans and the acquisition of distressed loans. Elizabeth Gable in New York represents domestic and international institutions on the origination and modification of complex financings, including construction and mezzanine financings.

McGuireWoods LLP‘s real estate finance team specializes in affordable housing deals and agency deals, representing lenders in the origination and sale of multifamily mortgage loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Leading the team from New York, Dennis Mensi represents institutional lenders in the originating and servicing of commercial mortgage loans. Commercial real estate expert John Grieb is experienced in the management and financing of office, multifamily and retail properties across the United States. Located in Los Angeles, Alice Youngbar represents lenders through the servicing product line and various servicer loan programs. Bill Seligman in Los Angeles and Thomas Lansen and McGuireWoods LLP in New York are key members of the team.

Malcolm Montgomery spearheads the real estate finance practice at O'Melveny both regionally in New York and abroad. Montgomery has a chief focus on borrower-side financing transactions, with significant expertise in cross-border investment and financing. The team handles the acquisition, development and management of commercial properties as well as the restructuring of mortgage loans. Los Angeles-based co-head Michael Hamilton has deep experience, predominantly leading borrower-side originations.

 

 

 

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has a strong presence in Texas and its real estate finance practice covers construction loans, joint ventures, and refinancings for its diverse clientele. Leadership is shared between three partners: Rachel Horsch from San Francisco, Caroline Harcourt from New York, and Steven Hamilton from San Diego. Horsch and Harcourt regularly advise on acquisitions and dispositions while commercial real estate specialist Hamilton focuses on structuring and closing construction loans. Adam Weaver in Houston is also recommended.

Proskauer Rose LLP has a comprehensive real estate finance practice, drawing on multidisciplinary strengths and practitioners to counsel clients across a broad spectrum of matters, from the acquisition and workout of large loan and asset portfolios to the restructuring of real estate debt at every tranche level. The team has four practice heads: Steven Lichtenfeld, David Weinberger, and Ronald Sernau in New York and Keith Barnett in Boston. Lichtenfeld distinguishes himself for his deep knowledge of the digital infrastructure sector while Weinberger is experienced in the origination and securitization of complex mortgage and mezzanine loans.