Hogan Lovells US LLP has a long-standing REITs practice advising on IPOs, M&A, capital markets, corporate governance, and joint ventures for publicly traded and non-traded REITs. The team is regularly instructed by REITs and underwriters on complex capital-raising and strategic transactions. Washington DC-based David Bonser anchors the practice, bringing more than 30 years of experience advising real estate companies on IPOs, private placements, fund formations, and M&A. Tax capability is a key differentiator, with Cristina Arumi and Prentiss Feagles advising on REIT and partnership tax structuring across IPOs, UPREIT formations, REIT conversions, rollups, and cross-border real estate investments. On the corporate and securities side, Mike McTiernan supports traded and non-traded REITs and underwriters on public offerings, SEC reporting, and governance matters, while Stacey McEvoy advises on REIT-related M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings. The practice is further supported by Lauren Clarke’s work on REIT tax planning and capital markets transactions, and the recent arrival of James Davidson in April 2025 strengthens the team’s bench in real estate and corporate matters.
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Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The practice is unique due to the range of REIT clients that the group has and its familiarity with issues facing REITs. As a global firm, they can also provide broad advice across multiple practice areas.'

  • 'Mike McTiernan is an excellent lawyer. He is very technically capable given his regulatory background. At the same time, he is able to explain concepts clearly to non-lawyers and always has a business focus. He always has good advice on a variety of topics.'

  • 'They are a one-of-a-kind integrated REIT-focused service team. I think they work with the most REITs among all law firms and they really know the inside out for REITs in terms of real estate, capital markets, SEC and tax work. It is hard to find another full-service REIT law firm like this group.'

  • 'James Davidson, Michael McTiernan and Katherine Keeley are all superb lawyers with fantastic reputations in the REIT industry.'

  • 'We have a very strong relationship with the partners on our account and our management team and Board greatly values their opinions and expertise. We had a very unique and challenging year with our company going through a strategic review and ultimately adopting a plan of sale and liquidation and Hogan was a valuable partner throughout the entire process. One of the things we benefit from is their deep expertise in all aspects of our legal needs (corporate, litigation, compensation, employment, tax, real estate transactions, etc.).'

  • 'The Hogan professionals are responsive and very thoughtful in their guidance. They also coordinate very well among disciplines to ensure that we are getting consistent advice and that the right resources are included in the discussion.'

Key clients

  • VICI Properties
  • Welltower Inc.
  • Public Storage
  • Park Hotels & Resorts
  • JBG Smith Properties
  • Brixmor Property Group
  • National Health Investors, Inc.
  • American Homes 4 Rent
  • Franklin BSP Realty Trust
  • RLJ Lodging Trust
  • Ventas
  • LXP Industrial Trust

Work highlights

Advising Elme Communities in connection with its $1.6 billion sale of a 19-property portfolio across the Greater Washington DC and Atlanta, Georgia metro areas and a plan of sale and liquidation.
Advised Welltower Inc. on its $900 million acquisition of NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc., a US-based public non-listed REITthat owns a diversified portfolio of 40 seniors housing properties.
Advised National Health Investors, Inc. on multiple matters in the past 12 months, including in its successful defense against an activist campaign launched by Jonathan Litt’s Land & Buildings Investment Management.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

David Bonser
David Bonser
Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Cristina Arumi
Cristina Arumi
Stacey McEvoy
Stacey McEvoy
Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Lauren Clarke
Lauren Clarke
Stacey McEvoy
Stacey McEvoy
Practice head

David Bonser; Cristina Arumi

Other key lawyers

Prentiss Feagles; Mike McTiernan; Stacey McEvoy; Lauren Clarke; James Davidson; Katherine Keeley; Paul Manca; Liz Banks; Cristina Arumi; Josh Scalia