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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Fried Frank does so many high-profile, complex, large deals that they have a wealth of experience in dealing with issues and can provide authoritative and actionable advice on how other clients have addressed similar issues. Often, the other side tries to make a claim that their request is "market," but Fried Frank knows exactly where the market is and can rattle off numerous deals where they were counsel that support their position.’
‘Michael Barker and Mike Vines are extremely well-known in the field, and their reputation precedes them. It is always a great comfort to know one of them is leading a deal since I have the utmost confidence that nothing will be overlooked and that they will have helpful solutions for anything that might come up.’
'Excellent grasp of what is going on in the marketplace and solutions-oriented. They also have a much deeper bench than any other firm.'
'Michael Vines is the best at what he does. Tremendous negotiator and understands what elements really matter to his clients.'
Key clients
- Apollo Global Real Estate Management, L.P.
- Blackstone Real Estate
- JP Morgan Chase
- Meadow Partners, LLC
- TYKO Capital
- Deutsche Bank
- Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
- Soros Fund Management
Work highlights
Acted as counsel to JPMorgan Chase in connection with a predevelopment loan in the amount of up to US$500 million to affiliates of Cain International for renovations at the Beverly Hilton and predevelopment work in connection with the construction of an Aman Hotel, Aman-branded luxury residential condominium towers, and retail space, including an Aman club, located in Beverly Hills, California.
Acted as counsel to Starwood Property Trust in connection with a mortgage loan in the maximum principal amount of up to US$280 million and a mezzanine loan in the maximum principal amount of up to US$70 million for the 88-story luxury condominium building known as “The Greenwich by Rafael Viñoly,” containing 272 residential condominium units, and (ii) the sale of the mortgage loan to Madison Capital Realty.
Acted as counsel to Blackstone in connection with providing a mortgage loan to Baron Property Group and LargaVista for the development of a new 46-story residential tower at 30-25 Queens Blvd. in Long Island City.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Vines; Michael Barker
Other key lawyers
Kabaye Liku; Nathanial Lifschitz