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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm is innovative and tries to think outside the box. The teams I've worked with are very thorough in their review of documentation, and they are very helpful in providing recommendations.’
‘The associates are very knowledgeable and responsive.'
Key clients
- Goldman Sachs
- Brookfield
- Wafra
- Corebridge Financial (f/k/a AIG Investments)
- Banco Inbursa
- Argent Ventures
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Monarch Alternative Capital
- Farallon
- Morgan Stanley
- Island Capital Group
- Madison Capital
Work highlights
Advised Goldman Sachs, as lender, on numerous matters, and over the last year, representing them on loan originations totaling over $1.2 billion relating to a wide variety of real estate assets located across the United States.
Advised Brookfield in its sale to North American Sekisui House of an 80% equity stake in a $800 million portfolio of five master planned communities located across four states (Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas).
Advised Monday Properties, as borrower, in connection with an assignment in lieu of foreclosure with QIA, in satisfaction of Monday’s obligations under a maturity defaulted senior mortgage and mezzanine debt secured by a portfolio of seven office properties located in Rosslyn, VA (comprising a large percentage of the Class A office space in this location), with an equity value underwritten at over $1 billion, as well as the transition of the property and parking management.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Daniel Reynolds
Other key lawyers
Joseph Lanzkron; Albert Alsaygh; David Herman; Sam Limmer