Led by Baltimore-based Michael Schiffer, Venable LLP’s Maryland corporate practice advises publicly traded, non-listed, and private REITs on corporate law matters, including IPOs, equity and debt offerings, mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, and other strategic transactions. The team regularly advises REIT boards and board committees on corporate governance, directors’ duties, takeover defenses, conflicts of interest, and change-of-control matters. Schiffer advises publicly and privately held REITs on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, financings, and governance issues. Also in Baltimore, James Hanks regularly serves as independent counsel to REIT boards and committees on governance matters, stockholder litigation, and conflicts issues. Patricia McGowan advises REITs on corporate governance, capital markets transactions, and M&A. Christopher Pate represents public and private REITs in major transactions, securities offerings, and formation matters. Carmen Fonda focuses on corporate law, advising REITs on formations, governance, and capital markets transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Great depth of expertise and efficiency as compared to other firms make Venable a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Brian Field and Patsy McGowan are always knowledgeable, thoughtful, and responsive. They make working together as seamless as possible on a very regular basis. I have valued their guidance and support through various transactions.'
- 'The Venable team has a full grasp of the technical aspects of Maryland law while remaining practical and commercial in the context of a deal.'
- 'Venable's Maryland corporate law practice is strong because they actually know the statute and how it functions in transactions. They spot Maryland-specific issues early and deal with them efficiently. This matters for REITs, public companies, and governance-heavy deals. Compared to other firms, this team treats Maryland law as a core capability, not a side specialty. The advice is practical and correct. The team collaborates well with deal counsel and does not over-lawyer.'
- 'Hirsh Ament knows Maryland corporate law cold. He identifies the real issue quickly and gives usable answers. He is responsive, practical, and credible with boards and bankers. That's what differentiates him.'
- 'Great Maryland expertise and commercial practicality.'
Key clients
- Alexandria Real Estate
- Lineage
- Great Ajax Corp.
- SITE Centers Corp.
- Equity Commonwealth
- Windstream Holdings II, LLC
- Paramount Group, Inc.
- Millrose Properties, Inc.
- United Development Funding IV
- SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc
- National Healthcare Properties, Inc
- Ellington Credit Company (formerly Ellington Residential Mortgage REIT)
Work highlights
Advised the board of directors of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., an S&P 500 Maryland REIT, on corporate governance matters, including proxy disclosures, shareholder proposals, proxy advisor and institutional investor voting policies, ESG developments, shareholder activism trends, and bylaw amendments.
Advised Lineage, Inc. (Nasdaq: LINE), the world’s largest temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, as Maryland counsel on its $5.1 billion initial public offering - including drafting Maryland governing documents, advising on Maryland law disclosures in the Form S-11 registration statement, and delivering Maryland law legal opinions.
Advised Great Ajax Corp. as Maryland counsel on its strategic transaction with Rithm Capital Corp., including termination of its external management agreement, entry into new management and financing arrangements, and an exchange transaction with warrant holders and preferred stockholders, advising on Maryland law matters including the purchase agreement and proxy statement.
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.
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
Michael Schiffer
Other key lawyers
James Hanks; Patricia McGowan; Christopher Pate; Carmen Fonda; Hirsh Ament; Brian Field;