Ms Whitney Salinas > Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s real estate team is well-known for its diverse practice, spanning all areas of the real estate industry from mergers and acquisitions of both public and private real estate companies, to the sale and acquisition of portfolios and individual assets. Further, the team has well-evidenced expertise in handling financing deals, developments, joint ventures, and debt restructurings. With prowess in the capital markets and financing areas, the firm is well-positioned to advise institutional investors on complex real estate issues and represents leading private equity real estate fund managers on a regular basis. The team is led by New York-based Sasan Mehrara, who focuses primarily on representing private equity companies and non-traded REITs. The team’s depth of talent is demonstrated by lawyers Gregory Ressa, Scott Kobak, and Krista Miniutti, all based in New York, who have experience that ranges from advising real estate opportunity funds to handling joint ventures and financings. Further support is provided by Whitney Salinas, who regularly represents private equity firms and portfolio companies in a wide range of transactions, and Aron Zuckerman, also based in New York, who has experience with bridge and construction loans across all major asset classes.

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.