The New York-based real estate finance practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a strong firm for lenders requiring assistance with acquisitions, loan originations, and joint venture financing. Krystyna Blakeslee leads the practice and is an expert in commercial real estate finance and investment. She is key to the practice’s commercial real estate transactions, representing real estate companies, funds, institutional lenders, and banks, and is also well-versed in a wide range of asset classes from data centers and retail to hospitality and construction. Co-heads Carly Glover Saviano, David Drewes, and Thomas Henry are real estate specialists focusing on transactions, acquisitions and dispositions. All aforementioned lawyers are based in New York. Misty Sanford leads the recently established Los Angeles real estate team for the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Key clients
- Access Industries Inc.
- Adept Development
- AGC Equity Partners
- Aspen Skiing Company
- Breakthrough Properties
- The Broad Museum
- Brookfield
- Cain International
- Capital Senior Living Corporation
- Caruso Affiliated Holding
Work highlights
- Assisting SL Green with its acquisition of 245 Park Avenue through a bankruptcy auction.
- Advising Choice Hotels International on its acquisition of Radisson Hotel Group Americas for approximately $675 million.
- Assisting DiamondRock Hospitality Company with the refinancing of its existing $750 million unsecured credit facility, increasing the total credit facility to $1.2 billion.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Thomas Henry; David Drewes; Krystyna Blakeslee; Misty Sanford; Carly Glover Saviano
Other key lawyers
Daniel Backer; Noah Bilenker; Melissa Fischetti; Christine Murphy; Allie Strauss