Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is praised by clients for its ability ‘to tackle very difficult issues simply and directly’, housing a real estate practice group which is particularly active in the office, residential, transportation, and hospitality sectors. The team assists asset management companies, redevelopment corporations, and real estate investors. In New York, the team is jointly led by Jonathan Mechanic, Laurinda Martins and Michael Werner . Mechanic is geared to support on sale and leaseback transactions, recently impressing in a transaction that expands Weill Cornell Medicine’s campus in New York. Martins demonstrates a wealth of knowledge in mortgage refinancing and ground lease extension mandates, while Werner has built a strong track record in construction matters. Valerie Kelly warrants praise for her ’extensive legal mind’, forming the bedrock of the firm’s Washington D.C. presence. Steven Rudgayzer recently represented RXR in its development of a new international terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport, while Patrick Dowd is extremely experienced with affordable housing transactions. David Evans joined the firm from Goodwin in March 2025, while Jennifer Yashar left the team in October.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Valerie Kelly is one of the best, if not the best, real estate attorneys I have seen in action. Her responsiveness and cool under fire provides an amazing amount of clarity and calmness even in the most difficult lease negotiations (which we had). Combining an extensive legal mind with calmness, confidence, and respectfulness is a very powerful combination.'
- 'I believe it is their ability to tackle very difficult issues simply and directly that really stands out. The extensive experience from the team on large transactions nationally sets them apart for knowing how to service their clients on a different level than most typical real estate attorneys.'
Key clients
- Blackstone
- Citadel
- Union Station Redevelopment Corp.
- Metro Loft
- New Green Willets
- Weill Cornell Medical Center
- Related
- Brookfield Asset Management
- SL Green
- Elliott Investment Management
- Citadel
Work highlights
Advised SL Green Realty Corp. (SL Green), Manhattan's largest office landlord and fully integrated REIT, and its joint venture with PGIM Real Estate, in connection with the completion of a US$1.4 billion, five- year, fixed-rate refinancing of 11 Madison Avenue, a 2.3-million-square-foot office tower in Midtown South.
Advised Citadel in connection with its 850,000 square foot NYC headquarters lease to anchor the development of a to-be-built best in class 1.8 million square foot commercial property at 350 Park Avenue.
Advised Blackstone Inc, in connection with its acquisition of a 46 % joint-control interest with Fisher Brothers in 1345 Avenue of the Americas at a full capitalization of US$1.4 billion, which was the first office acquisition for Blackstone in many years.
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.
Practice head
Jonathan Mechanic; Laurinda Martins; Michael Werner
Other key lawyers
Valerie Kelly; Steven Rudgayzer; Patrick Dowd; Othon Flores Juarez; David Evans