With a ‘focus on representing mortgage REITs’, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP regularly advises issuers and underwriters on capital markets transactions involving equity and mortgage REITs, including IPOs and public offerings. The practice also demonstrates particular strength in hotel and specialty REIT transactions. Washington DC-based Robert Smith advises on capital markets and M&A transactions involving mortgage and equity REITs, frequently acting for issuers and underwriters. Richmond-based Kendal Sibley focuses on federal income tax matters affecting REITs, including capital markets transactions, fund formations, and mergers and acquisitions. George Howell advises on REIT tax structuring, securitizations, and complex financial products. Kate Saltz advises REIT issuers and underwriters on corporate and securities transactions, including ATM offerings, public offerings, and strategic transactions across multiple REIT asset classes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Hunton has a nice REIT practice with a focus on representing mortgage REITs. Rob Smith oversees the practice from a securities perspective, while Kendal Sibley is the main tax partner. Both are excellent lawyers, and good people, and deserve to be recognized for their practice.'
- 'Hunton Andrews Kurth stands out for its ability to deliver sophisticated legal counsel with a strong appreciation for organizational mission, governance, and long-term strategy. The team brings deep expertise across corporate governance, intellectual property, and transactional matters, and consistently provides advice that is practical, thoughtful, and tailored to the specific needs of the client.'
- 'What makes the practice unique is the team's collaborative approach and genuine investment in understanding our objectives beyond the immediate legal question.'
- 'The team is particularly effective at helping organizations navigate governance structures, protect and manage intellectual property, and thoughtfully approach transactions in a way that supports sustainable growth.'
- 'Compared with other firms, Hunton Andrews Kurth distinguishes itself through its responsiveness, institutional knowledge, and consistency of service. The team operates as a trusted partner, integrating seamlessly with internal stakeholders and providing steady, reliable counsel that clients can depend on over time.'
- 'The individuals we work with at Hunton Andrews Kurth are exceptional for their judgment, professionalism, and commitment to client success. Partners provide strong strategic guidance, remain closely involved in matters, and bring a calm, solutions-oriented perspective to complex issues. Associates are highly capable, responsive, and well integrated into client teams. They demonstrate strong attention to detail, communicate clearly, and reliably deliver high-quality work.'
- 'Across the team, there is a clear culture of accountability and care, with lawyers taking the time to understand the broader context in which legal advice is being provided.'
- 'What truly sets these individuals apart is their reliability and integrity. They are trusted advisors who consistently deliver thoughtful, high-quality counsel and approach their work with a level of dedication that exceeds expectations.'
- 'What I've witnessed is an incredibly engaging team that develops strong relationships. They have a deep bench of highly experienced individuals. I should also add that I've heard nothing but positive things about Hunton from various companies that I've worked with in the space.'
- 'I believe Hunton makes the extra effort to develop personal relationships, which matters. Interacting with them doesn't feel as transactional as other firms.'
Key clients
- Chimera Investment Corporation
- MFA Financial, Inc.
- Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
- AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.
- Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
- Newlake Capital Partners Inc.
- Millrose Properties, Inc.
- Kennedy Lewis Investment Management LLC
- Underwriters' Counsel For Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.
- Pretium Partners, LLC
- KKR Real Estate Finance Trust
- Chatham Lodging Trust
- New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.
- Postal Realty Trust, Inc.
- InvenTrust Properties Corp.
- Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
- Stag Industrial, Inc.
- Underwriters' Counsel for Alpine Income Property Trust
- Underwriters' Counsel for CTO Realty Growth, Inc.
- Underwriters' Counsel for UMH Properties, Inc.
Work highlights
Represented Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) in connection with its $400 million Rule 144A Offering of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2029. Hunton subsequently represented Pebblebrook in connection with its $400 million Rule 144A Offering of 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030.
Represented MFA Financial, Inc. (NYSE: MFA) in connection with the establishment of a $100 million preferred stock at-the-market (ATM) offering program and a $300 million common stock ATM offering program.
Represented Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE: CIM) in negotiating and executing a definitive agreement to acquire HomeXpress Mortgage Corp. from certain affiliates of Seer Capital Management and certain management sellers.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Robert Smith; Kendal Sibley
Other key lawyers
George Howell; Kate Saltz