Based in New York, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton’s “innovative” real estate team advises on a range of significant domestic and cross-border real estate transactions, including large-scale acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, financings and restructurings. The practice has developed notable experience in mortgage originations as well as data center–related transactions. Daniel Reynolds leads the team, regularly handling complex real estate matters across the full lifecycle of assets, with particular experience in financings and workouts involving distressed properties. Joseph Lanzkron represents both borrowers and lenders in mezzanine financing transactions, while Albert Alsaygh advises on acquisitions and restructurings. The group has been strengthened by several lateral hires from McDermott Will & Schulte in February 2025. These include New York–based David Herman, who counsels real estate-related companies on acquisitions, dispositions and workouts, and Washington, DC–based Sam Limmer, whose practice focuses on joint ventures, restructurings and settlement matters.

Dechert advises leading lenders across the full loan lifecycle, with particular strength in origination and securitization matters. The practice is jointly led by Matthew B Ginsburg in Philadelphia and Samuel H. Gilbert in Boston. Ginsburg, alongside Justin J Gdula, advises on mid-sized and large-scale financings across asset classes, including public-to-private real estate transactions and data center portfolios. Also in Philadelphia, David Forti focuses on originations, mezzanine financings, CMBS securitizations, and workouts, while Jason S Rozes brings experience in balance-sheet lending and construction loans, and Victoria Boland is also recommended. Kenneth Hackman regularly represents borrowers and lenders on single-family rental financings, and Nitya Kumar Goyal advises on mortgage and mezzanine loan originations. Boston-based Samuel H. Gilbert is noted for his expertise in the syndication and securitization of mortgage, mezzanine, and subordinate loans, as well as workouts and foreclosures, with particular experience in hotel and hospitality financings. In Charlotte, Stewart McQueen advises on securitized transactions and revolving credit facilities, while Tyler Stevens handles permanent and bridge loan originations and mezzanine debt financings.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a go-to firm for high-profile lender-side clients, particularly in connection with loan originations for construction, development, and repositioning projects, alongside sophisticated capital markets and back-leverage work. The real estate group is jointly led by Eric Feuerstein in New York and Jesse Sharf in California, both of whom regularly advise on large-scale acquisitions and complex financings. In New York, Michael Weinberger contributes deep structuring expertise across multi-asset financings and frequently advises institutional investors on horizontal and vertical risk retention bond investments, while Krystyna Blakeslee is an expert at originations, acquisitions, and dispositions. Aaron Beim and Noam Haberman are well regarded for their work on back-leverage facilities, note-on-note loans, and other innovative financing structures, while San Francisco-based Kahlil Yearwood is particularly experienced in distressed loan transactions. The practice has seen several notable additions, including Emily Naughton from Mayer Brown  in December 2024, David Perechocky from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in August 2025, Frank Mangiatordi from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in October 2025, and Jennifer Yashar from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP  in October 2025. Alex Meirowitz departed the firm in April 2025.

Morrison Foerster advises a wide range of prominent real estate lenders, including commercial and investment banks, mortgage REITs, and debt funds, on complex financings. The team is particularly active on large syndicated term and construction loans, CMBS transactions, and structures involving multiple layers of debt, as well as handling distressed real estate matters and advising data center clients on facility acquisitions. The group is led from New York by Mark Edelstein, who brings extensive experience representing lenders in syndicated, securitized, and participatory loan arrangements, aswell as mezzanine financings, and complex real estate workouts. In California, Thomas Fileti and Philip Levine advise on joint venture structuring, acquisitions, dispositions, and ground lease transactions, while Susannah Cupp focuses on syndicated, portfolio, mezzanine, and construction loans. Keith Print, based between Miami and New York, and New York-based Christopher Delson regularly advise on complex syndicated mortgage, mezzanine, and credit facilities. Also in New York, Jeffrey Temple is a key contact for the acquisition, financing, development, operation, and sale of large commercial real estate assets, and Tushna Gamadia is also recommended.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP maintains a strong lender-side real estate finance practice, with particular depth in the CMBS market and a track record advising on the origination of financing transactions across a broad range of real estate collateral types. The team is also active in syndicated, acquisition, and construction lending and is frequently engaged in refinancings of large-scale and complex developments. The practice is led by Charlotte-based Holly Chamberlain, who brings extensive experience representing lenders on financings across asset classes, including the origination of mortgage and mezzanine loans. Also in Charlotte, Christopher Dickson advises on the origination, sale, and servicing of loans secured by office, industrial, retail, and hotel assets, while Kevin Sholette regularly structures mezzanine loan transactions. The group was strengthened by the arrival of securitization specialist Steven Kolyer from Sidley Austin LLP in August 2025, while Bonnie Neuman, Melissa Hinkle, Nicholas Brandfon, and Molly Lovedale departed in April 2025.

Based in New York, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP regularly handles complex real estate transactions for a high-profile and diverse client base, drawing on the firm’s broader strengths in real estate tax, litigation, and REIT matters. The practice is jointly led by Michael Barker and Michael Vines, who advise major financial institutions on large-scale financings, loan originations, and restructurings, and are also experienced in the purchase and sale of subordinated debt. Kabaye Liku represents syndicate and balance sheet lenders on mortgage restructurings and mezzanine financings, while Nathaniel Lifschitz advises banks, debt funds, and investors on construction financings and preferred equity investments, with experience across a range of complex capital structures. Jennifer Yashar departed the firm in October 2025.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP maintains a strong lender-side real estate finance practice, regularly advising on complex secured financings and preferred equity investments across asset classes. The team has notable experience in data center transactions, alongside handling workouts and restructurings. The practice is led from New York by Laurie Grasso and Brett Gross, who advise lenders and investors on secured financings, including securitized and portfolio mortgage lending, mezzanine, construction, and hospitality financings, as well as credit facilities and co-lending and participation arrangements. Also in New York, Peter Mignone and Matthew Halal regularly represent institutional lenders in mortgage and mezzanine loan originations. Leading from Dallas, Howard Schreiber brings extensive experience in construction, permanent lending, and office leasing.

Milbank maintains a broad real estate finance practice based in New York, with notable strength in distressed commercial real estate, data center financings, and debt and equity acquisitions. The team regularly handles large mortgage, mezzanine, and preferred equity originations, alongside acquisitions and sales of performing and non-performing loans. Practice head Erwin Dweck advises investors on debt, equity, and structured transactions across a range of asset classes and is particularly noted for his data center expertise. Nicolette Sullivan regularly counsels both lenders and borrowers on mezzanine financings, CMBS, construction lending, and property acquisitions, with a focus on complex debt structures. Yaakov Sheinfeld and Jonathan Karl are also recommended. The practice is further strengthened by the arrival of Alex Meirowitz from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in April 2025, bringing experience advising borrowers and lenders across the capital stack.

With a notable strength in CMBS, Arnold & Porter advises financial institutions, institutional investors, and real estate owners on a wide range of real estate transactions. The team handles joint ventures, acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing, alongside loan originations, restructurings, and secondary market transactions. The Real Estate Department is co-chaired in New York by Stephen Gliatta, who brings experience across mortgage loans, mezzanine financings, restructurings, and workouts, and Jeffrey Kapner, who focuses on equity real estate transactions. Also in New York, Louis Hait regularly represents banks and lending institutions in originating structured mortgage and mezzanine debt, as well as construction lending and leasing matters.

The team at Houston firm Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP is an expert in representing real estate developers in public finance, dedicated to land development, public infrastructure, and community development in Texas, while handling negotiations with key municipalities, counties, and stakeholders. Chairman of the executive committee, David Oliver Jr, serves as lead counsel in high-profile, large-scale developments and strategizes with landowners and developers. Angela Lutz also serves on the firm’s executive committee and focuses her practice on advising on early-stage development, including master planning, district structuring, and infrastructure financing.

Dentons’ real estate finance group advises debt funds, private lenders, banks, and insurance companies across the full range of commercial real estate finance and investment matters, with particular strength in loan-on-loan structures, syndications, and complex CRE loans. In New York, David Hall represents banks and institutional investors on loan originations, purchases, sales, servicing, and complex workouts, while Richard Stempler advises on CMBS, balance sheet lending, preferred equity, construction, and triple-net lease facilities. Chicago-based Steve Davidson handles secured construction and term loans and advises on syndicated credit facilities. Alana Sliwinski joined the team from Troutman Pepper Locke LLP in May 2025, while Sarah Armendariz and Camille Bacon-Schulte departed in January and September 2025, respectively.

Eversheds Sutherland advises financial institutions, syndicators, and investors on debt and equity real estate transactions across asset classes. The firm regularly represents lenders and borrowers on construction and permanent mortgage loans, subordinate and mezzanine lending, and participating loan structures. The team also has experience in securitizations and whole-loan sales involving performing and non-performing assets. New York-based John Benson, who focuses on securitized commercial real estate loans, jointly leads the practice alongside Washington DC-based Lisa Rosen, who advises institutional clients on commercial real estate and esoteric securitization transactions. Thomas Dugan, in DC, is also recommended, as is James Murphy. Securitization specialist Emanuel Tsourounis joined the New York team from Cole Schotz P.C. in December 2024.

Greenberg Traurig advises clients on both the lender and borrower sides of commercial real estate financing matters, covering debt and equity investments across the capital stack, with particular strength in alternative asset classes such as data centers and next-generation storage facilities. The practice is jointly led by Michael Moser, based in Westchester County, and Cory Tessler in New York. Moser focuses on bridge, mezzanine, and permanent loan transactions, as well as workouts and restructurings, while Tessler is known for designing tailored mortgage securitization programs covering hotel, retail, office, and multifamily assets. Other key figures include Los Angeles-based Michael Davis, who represents clients on senior, construction, and bridge financings, and Farah Ahmed, who advises on the acquisition, disposition, and development of real estate assets. The team was further strengthened in 2025 with the arrivals of Daniel Elrod, Richard Heaton, Benjamin Hittman, and Marc Lazar.

McDermott Will & Schulte advises global banks and financial institutions on all aspects of real estate transactions, with particular strength in refinancing and restructuring within the hospitality sector. Co-head Mal Serure, based in Los Angeles and New York, regularly represents real estate companies, REITs, and private equity funds on mezzanine financing, preferred equity, and workouts across asset classes. In New York, Elias Eliopoulos handles sales, acquisitions, financings, and joint ventures, while Chicago-based co-head David Wolff advises on both borrower- and lender-side transactions. Los Angeles-based Zena M. Ho focuses on loan structuring and workouts, and Chicago’s Justin Bender leads on complex acquisitions and joint ventures. Brian Donnelly departed the firm in January 2026.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP advises on the full spectrum of real estate finance matters, with particular expertise in Delaware statutory trusts and Opportunity Zone Funds. New York-based Daniel Evans leads the practice, representing clients on both lender and borrower sides in loan originations, sales, workouts, and restructurings. San Francisco-based Robin Freeman focuses on healthcare and real estate, while Atlanta-based Paul Mattingly advises on high-value development loans. Charlotte-based Katie Schwarting and John Domby contribute CMBS expertise. The Atlanta office welcomed Justin Barry and Thomas Gryboski from Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP in June 2025, with Gryboski bringing over his hospitality-focused team, including Catherine Morgen and Brian Butler. Varuna Bhattacharyya joined the New York office from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in August 2025.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises both borrowers and lenders on all aspects of real estate finance, with a particularly strong lender-side practice encompassing CMBS loans, mortgage originations, and recapitalizations across various asset classes, including data center financings. Sasan Mehrara leads the broader real estate team, while Aron Zuckerman represents credit funds, banks, and insurance companies in mezzanine financings, preferred equity structures, and multi-tranche workouts. Whitney Salinas advises private equity firms and portfolio companies on CMBS and construction financings, and Erik Quarfordt focuses on acquisitions, dispositions, and joint ventures. All aforementioned attorneys are based in New York.

Ballard Spahr LLP is well equipped to develop, structure, and negotiate complex real estate transactions, and regularly handles the origination of syndicated and structured loans. The firm also fields a strong distressed real estate and commercial loan servicing team, advising on restructurings, workouts, and enforcement matters. The practice is chaired by Maryland-based Thomas Hauser, a finance specialist who regularly advises on the purchase, sale, financing, and restructuring of assets ranging from multifamily portfolios to biotech campuses. Jointly leading the practice is Los Angeles partner Siobhan O’Donnell Sachs, who focuses on permanent and bridge loan originations as well as CMBS financings, and New Jersey-based Joseph W. Weill, who is an expert on affordable housing loan facilities.

Goodwin advises clients on both the lender and borrower sides across a range of debt-related matters, including portfolio evaluations and capital-raising transactions. New York-based Diana Brummer co-chairs the practice, bringing experience across the full spectrum of commercial real estate transactions, from joint ventures and mezzanine financings to acquisitions and loan workouts. In Boston, Diane McCabe advises on debt and equity investments and restructurings, while Co-chair Alex Jacobs, based in Santa Monica, handles the acquisition, development, and financing of commercial real estate assets.

Hogan Lovells US LLP regularly advises lenders, funds, developers, investors, and property owners on mezzanine loan originations, acquisitions, and refinancings across asset classes. The broader real estate practice is co-led by Denver-based Lea Ann Fowler, who advises borrowers and lenders on debt and equity financing structures, while Ana Tenzer focuses on mortgage and asset portfolios, alongside structured loan and credit facilities. In New York, Brian Diamond advises real estate opportunity funds, while Elizabeth Akerman handles real estate investment and development transactions for institutional and non-institutional owners, investment managers, and developers.

Holland & Knight represents a diverse client base spanning domestic and international banks, insurers, debt funds, and mortgage REITs across a broad range of real estate transactions. The wider real estate practice is jointly led by Joe Guay in New York and Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz in Miami. In Atlanta, John Decker focuses on corporate and asset-based lending matters, while New York–based Keith Brandofino advises on loan servicing for commercial mortgage-backed securities. Boston’s Sean O’Brien is a key contact for loan originations, enforcements, and workouts, while David Packer in Century City is noted for bridge, construction, and mezzanine financings.

King & Spalding advises clients on raising, structuring, and deploying equity and debt capital in public and private markets, as well as handling real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects. The firm has particular strength in capital raising across private fund structures, including open-end and closed-end funds, private REITs, and Shari’ah-compliant funds. Jointly leading the practice from New York is real estate private equity specialist Jennifer Morgan and Erik Andersen, who focuses on structuring, originating, and administering single- and multi-lender real estate loans. Also in New York, Elizabeth Gable and Christine O’Connell advise lenders on the origination and modification of mezzanine financings, while Miami-based Jonathan Arkins handles revolving and static-pool structured warehouse facilities.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP advises high-profile sponsors and asset managers across the full life cycle of real estate finance, from fund formation and capital raising to acquisitions, restructurings, and exits. The practice is jointly led by Victoria Shusterman in New York and Rachel Brown in Chicago, who frequently handle mezzanine financings, credit facilities, and workouts. New York–based Seth Henslovitz advises lenders and borrowers on commercial mortgage debt and restructurings, while Matthew Bettinger focuses on originations and syndications. In 2025, the team welcomed private equity specialist Yaman Shukairy from TPG Real Estate, alongside Michelle Kelban and Meghan Cocci, both from Latham & Watkins, who bring expertise in financing, restructuring, and hospitality.

McGuireWoods LLP is noted for its work on affordable housing financings for lenders, with a strong track record in originating and selling multifamily mortgage loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The practice is led by New York-based Dennis Mensi, who represents institutional lenders in the origination and servicing of commercial mortgage loans across asset classes. In Atlanta, John Grieb advises on the development, acquisition, leasing, management, and financing of office, multifamily, and retail properties. Los Angeles-based Alice Youngbar focuses on multifamily financings through Fannie Mae’s Delegated Underwriting and Servicing program, while Bill Seligman advises senior and mezzanine lenders and institutional investors. Phillip Coover joined in January 2025 from Ice Miller, bringing experience in acquisitions, financings, and dispositions.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advises blue-chip clients across a broad spectrum of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, major financings, and workouts. The practice is chaired in New York by David Drewes and Carly Glover Saviano, who guide developers, hedge funds, investors, and REITs across multiple asset classes. Also in New York, Daniel Backer, Jennifer Coffey, and Melissa Fischetti focus on transactions involving office, multifamily, hospitality, and healthcare developments, while in Los Angeles, Misty Sanford co-chairs the practice, bringing expertise in loan workouts, public-private partnerships, and data center projects. The Dallas team was strengthened in March 2025 by the arrival of John Bain and Wesley Smith, who joined from Akin with experience in digital infrastructure financing. Christine Murphy and Noah Bilenker departed the firm in November 2024.

A&O Shearman advises clients across all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, financings, and ground and space leasing. Led by Lisa Brill, the team is well equipped to represent lenders in mezzanine and hotel financings, as well as advising sponsors on the formation of real estate funds. Adam Sofen is recognised for advising REITs and developers on joint ventures and the restructuring of distressed loans, while Carolyn Stoner focuses on acquisitions and dispositions across a range of asset classes.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises commercial real estate clients on a wide range of debt-related matters, including bridge loans, syndicated facilities, mezzanine financings, preferred equity, and A/B loan participations, with additional experience in distressed loans and assets. Eugene Balshem leads the practice from Florida, representing lenders in the origination, purchase, sale, syndication, and securitization of commercial real estate loans. In New York, William Campbell is a key contact for lender-side work, particularly co-lending arrangements and intercreditor relationships. California-based real estate finance partner Martyn Taylor joined the team from Greenberg Traurig in December 2024, while Varuna Bhattacharyya and Matthew Royko departed the firm in July and September 2025, respectively.

Based in Los Angeles, Cox, Castle & Nicholsonrepresents a broad range of traditional and non-traditional senior and mezzanine lenders in the acquisition, development, construction, land banking, and financing of real property and related assets. The practice is jointly led by Adam Weissburg, who structures mezzanine and senior secured real estate facilities and advises on workouts and loan amendments, and Caroline Dreyfus, who handles complex financing transactions, including multi-state portfolio loans, land banking arrangements, and syndications. Adriana Vesci is regularly engaged by developers and institutional investment managers on loan originations, while Katherine Bissett advises on acquisition, bridge, and construction financings.

Dickinson Wright PLLC advises on development projects and commercial mortgage transactions, with particular experience in multifamily and manufactured housing mortgage loans. Ohio-based Jeremy Schirra leads the practice, bringing expertise in federal and state tax credit incentives and opportunity zone investments. In Michigan, Katheryne Zelenock heads the team handling commercial and multifamily mortgage loans, while Dawn Faxon Singer represents institutional lenders in loan originations, workouts, and foreclosures. Tennessee-based James B. Cunningham advises on clients real estate mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital markets transactions, while also structuring and negotiating commercial loans. In Washington DC, Aaron Thomson acts as outside counsel on a range of real estate transactional matters.

Husch Blackwell LLP advises clients across the Midwest, West, and Mid-South on the financing of redevelopment projects, with particular strength in matters involving federal and state tax credit incentives. The practice is led by banking and finance specialist Daniel Bray in Denver, who regularly advises on the full lifecycle of real estate financing, from construction and bridge loans to mezzanine and permanent capital, across diverse asset classes. He also handles loan workouts, foreclosures, and related litigation. In Milwaukee, Rebecca Mitich brings extensive experience in tax-advantaged real estate development, frequently advising on low-income housing acquisitions and dispositions, while St. Louis–based David Richardson represents developers and municipalities on financing, zoning, and capital improvements. Elizabeth Massaro departed the firm in October 2025.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP advises lenders and borrowers on all types of real estate financing across asset classes, including public-private infrastructure projects. James Rishwain leads the broader real estate practice from Los Angeles, while San Francisco-based Noa Clark regularly represents investors and private equity funds in fund formations, acquisitions, financing, and development. Also in San Francisco, Rachel Horsch advises on transactional real estate matters, and in San Diego, Steven Hamilton handles the structuring, negotiation, and closing of real estate and commercial leasing deals. Northern Virginia-based James Bobotek guides clients on the development and construction of commercial properties. Nellie Camerik and Pej Razavilar joined in August 2025 from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, bringing extensive experience in complex, high-value transactions.

Sheppard advises clients across a broad spectrum of real estate matters, including office financings, complex loan transactions, and large-scale housing developments, as well as the structuring of acquisitions, joint ventures, and disposals. The wider practice group is co-led by San Diego-based Michael Leake, who brings extensive experience in high-value acquisitions and dispositions, and New York’s Scott Stern, who regularly represents lenders in loan originations and restructurings. Key practitioners include Richard Fries, noted for his work in construction lending and distressed real estate workouts, and Neil Cohen, who advises on mezzanine financings and participations. Seasoned commercial real estate attorney Ross Honig is also a key contact.

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP advises on all aspects of financing transactions, including intercreditor and subordination arrangements, construction lending, mortgage securitization issues, and repurchase agreements. The practice is led by Austin-based Tai Tran, who has a broad real estate finance practice encompassing commercial lending, loan syndications,  subordinated debt, and mezzanine financing, as well as workouts and restructurings. In Atlanta, Anthony Greene handles major debt transactions, while Houston’s Paul Pruett advises financial institutions on the structuring and negotiation of construction and development loans across asset classes. The team was further strengthened by the addition of New York-based debt and equity adviser Daniel Valenti.