DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s REIT practice centers largely on non-traded REITs, handling matters at all stages of their life cycle from formation and IPO to debt and equity offerings, joint ventures and M&A transactions. With an office in Baltimore, the firm is well-equipped to advise on specific Maryland law-related REIT issues. Bankruptcy and restructuring are other areas where the firm excels but what distinguishes the practice is its top-rate REIT tax offering, spearheaded by Shiukay Hung from New York. Hung, who is praised as possessing ’a deep understanding of the technical REIT tax rules’, regularly advises investors and is sought out to act as special REIT tax counsel on major transactions. In Raleigh, Robert Bergdolt heads the REIT sub-group and has a strong presence in non-traded REIT public and private offerings. Also located in Raleigh, Christopher Stambaugh represents leading NAV REITs, drawing on deep knowledge of the area to assist clients with developing new structures. San Diego-based securities lawyer Darryl Steinhause is another practitioner to note. Kerry Johnson departed in October 2024.  
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has a great amount of experience in the REIT space and the institutional knowledge is helpful for understanding the background of their advice. ’

  • ‘Chris Stambaugh is a very knowledgeable partner and is great at spotting issues from all angles of securities law.'

  • 'Jeremy Dilley is a strong associate who is very responsive and capable of finding solutions to complex securities law issue. ’
  • ‘Shuikay Hung, who leads the practice, is one of the most well-respected practitioners in this space. He has a deep understanding of the technical REIT tax rules and delivers thoughtful and practical advice to his clients. I rely heavily on his expertise and judgement with respect to REIT-related issues.’

  • ‘Strong technical skills. Takes time to understand issues and work through them.’

  • ‘Shiukay Hung - hardworking and very knowledgeable.’

Key clients

  • Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc.
  • Goldman Sachs Real Estate Income Trust, Inc.
  • W. P. Carey, Inc.
  • STAG Industrial, Inc.
  • Getty Realty Corporation
  • Inland Real Estate Corporation
  • Ares Real Estate Income Trust Inc.
  • EQT Exeter/EQT Exeter Real Estate Income Trust, Inc.
  • Sculptor Real Estate Income Trust
  • Highwoods Properties, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Represented Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc, as co-securities counsel for an ongoing public offering, a follow-on offering, and related public company reporting matters. This offering is unique and important because it is the largest public offering ever registered with the SEC.
  • Representated Ares Real Estate Income Trust Inc. as securities counsel for ongoing public offering and related public company reporting matters, corporate counsel for ongoing governance matters, and REIT tax counsel for ongoing REIT tax matters.
  • Represented EQT Exeter Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (EQT Exeter REIT) in the initial public offering of its first non-traded real estate investment trust, which is ongoing. EQT Exeter REIT is offering up to US $5 billion in shares of its common stock.

Lawyers

Leading partners

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

Robert Bergdolt

Next generation partners

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

Practice head

Robert Hill Bergdolt; Shiukay Hung

Other key lawyers

Christopher Stambaugh; Darryl Steinhause; Jeremy Dilley