Simmons & Simmons’ practice, jointly led by Dario Spinella and Emanuela Molinaro, assists with contractual documentation, transactional due diligence, negotiations, and post-closing matters. Spinella focuses on loan and portfolio sales and fund-portfolio repositioning. Molinaro advises on student-housing development, operator partnerships, mixed-use acquisitions, leasing, and demergers. Christian Turotti and Enrico Stefanelli are also highly recommended for acquisitions and redevelopment.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Simmons & Simmons’ real estate team has an unparalleled understanding of the real estate industry and its principal stakeholders. This expertise, fused with a strategic business-oriented approach, exceptional navigational skills in complex scenarios, and swift responsiveness, renders Simmons & Simmons' support indispensable to its clients.’
- ‘The lawyers I rely on for contractual matters are distinguished by their precision, responsiveness, and ability to align legal advice with business strategy. They are pragmatic and commercially aware, which makes them particularly effective in drafting and negotiating agreements that are both protective and workable.'
- ‘Simmons & Simmons' practice combines multidisciplinary expertise, proven competence, and prompt access to the right professionals. S&S is not only highly skilled in core areas of law, but also able to integrate perspectives from complementary disciplines, ensuring that advice is both technically sound and commercially practical.’
- ‘What makes the individuals I work with at Simmons & Simmons stand out is their ability to combine technical knowledge with a highly practical and efficient approach. They do not simply advise on the law in the abstract, but translate complex legal frameworks into clear, actionable strategies that help clients move forward with confidence.’
- ‘Enrico Stefanelli's strategic mindset and ability to lead with clarity set her apart from competitors—he doesn’t just solve legal issues, he anticipates them, offering guidance and advice in a high-pressure environment that is both insightful and forward-thinking.'
Key clients
- Auchan Group
- Crédit Agricole Vita
- Colony Capital Inc.
- BNP Paribas REIM
- Generali Group
- Carrefour Group
- Marconi Group
- Prelios SGR
- Monarch Capital Partners
- Meininger Hotels group
- DeA Capital Real Estate SGR
- AON
Work highlights
Advised Preamia REIM Italy SGR S.p.A on the development of a EUR300 million student housing portfolio.
Assisted Zeta Investment S.r.l. with the EUR45.5 million acquisition of a prestigious mixed-use property in central Milan.
Advised Italian property company Ability Real Estate on a complex transaction involving the sale of a loan secured by an underlying resort located in Sicily, in the Municipality of Ragusa.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Dario Spinella; Emanuela Molinaro
Other key lawyers
Christian Turotti; Enrico Stefanelli