Paul Hastings LLP‘ REIT-focused securities and capital markets practice has recently been bolstered by the additions of Boston-based Scott Chase from Goodwin and Chicago-based Kerry Johnson from DLA Piper LLP (US) in October 2024. The two now jointly lead the practice alongside Derek Roth from Los Angeles and Pablo Clarke, operating from Century City. Chase stands out for his robust expertise in the REIT IPO space and for representing public exchange-listed REITs and their underwriters, while Johnson demonstrates strong capabilities in advising on major REIT capital markets offerings and REIT M&A. Rounding out the leadership, Roth and Clarke are well-versed in joint ventures, fund formation and capital raising. Over in New York, Yariv Katz serves as designated underwriters’ counsel for multiple REITs and excels in the full breadth of capital markets transactions, from public offerings to private offerings of equity and debt securities. Scott Chase joined the team in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes it unique is the attention of very senior partners who value the relationship with our firm. Even though it is a small deal, we felt very supported by their entire team. The two senior partners divided their time on the coverage of the deal - and at no time did we feel they disengaged. And the team was appropriately staffed with junior associates at all times. ’
‘Mike Huang and Rob Leung are exceptional attorneys. They strike the right balance between protecting their clients' legal interests and finding creative and commercial solutions to help counterparties reach a middle ground when at an impasse. Highly recommend.’
‘The firm is very quick and accurate in their responses, they are always dedicated to understanding the client's needs and explaining the difficulties of the transaction to the client in a very simple and friendly manner. They also have an appropriate fee policy that flexes with the client's needs.’
‘Mike Huang and Robert Leung are excellent (deal makers), and are always on the lookout for real, practical and useful solutions.’
Key clients
- Barclays
- BMO Capital Markets
- BofA Securities
- BTIG
- Citigroup
- Citizens Capital Markets
- Fifth Third Securities
- Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
- Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HIW)
- Jefferies LLC
Work highlights
Advised Wells Fargo Securities, BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan Securities, and other underwriters in connection with American Homes 4 Rent’s (NYSE: AMH) inaugural green bond public offering of USD $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2034.
Advised the sales agents (18 banks in total) in connection with the reset (and establishment) of Sun Communities, Inc.’s USD $1.25 billion ATM offering program (an ongoing offering of equity securities).
Advised the underwriters led by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Fifth Third Securities, Inc., and Truist Securities, Inc. in connection with Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: GLPI) pricing of a public offering of (1) USD $800 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2034 and (2) USD $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% Senior Notes Due 2054.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Paul Hastings
Kerry Johnson
Practice head
Pablo Clarke; Derek Roth; Scott Chase; Kerry Johnson
Other key lawyers
Yariv Katz