Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP fields a large practice, with a deep bench experienced in all aspects of commercial real estate law. The group works hand-in-hand with a wide range of clients, including many industry leaders, handling all facets of real estate transactions to help develop major city skylines. The team has experience advising across multiple asset classes, including office and mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and residential and retail projects. The leadership team is based in the firm's New York office, with department chair Jonathan Mechanic routinely advising developers, owners, investors, and lenders on all aspects of their real estate transactions. Deputy co-chairs Michael Werner and Laurinda Martins are also in New York with expertise in construction financings, developments, debt restructurings, and large-scale acquisitions and joint ventures respectively, while Alexander Sutherland represents developers, lenders, owners, and institutional investors in a variety of commercial real estate transactions. Valerie Kelly, who is based in the Washington office, regularly represents prominent private and public commercial real estate investors and developers.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very attentive to each deal, they understand negotiations, and are a pleasure to work with.'
- 'They are focused, motivated, and hungry to get the best deal but also manage time/money. Each is a pleasure to deal with. Michael Werner is always someone I can rely on to help in any situation.'
- 'Superior real estate transaction expertise.'
- 'Business-minded attorneys. Franz Rassman is an outstanding real estate attorney with exceptional expertise in commercial office leasing. Franz is an excellent communicator and understands how to facilitate a transaction for his clients.'
Key clients
- Atlas Capital Group, LLC
- Blackstone Real Estate Advisors
- Citadel Enterprise Americas LLC
- Douglaston Development
- Gotham Development
- Kushner Companies
- MCR Development LLC
- Metro Loft Management
- Michigan Central Innovation District, LLC
- Naftali Group
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to Blackstone Inc. in connection with its agreement to expand and extend its global headquarters lease 345 Park Avenue, which is owned by Rudin Management.
- Acted as counsel to Atlas Capital Group in connection with a joint venture between Atlas Capital Group, Zeckendorf Development, and The Baupost Group on a $1bn construction loan to develop a luxury residential condominium project at 80 Clarkson, New York.
- Acted as counsel to New Green Willets LLC, an affiliate of the owner of the New York Mets, in connection with all aspects of a multibillion-dollar plan called Metropolitan Park to redevelop the 70+ acres around Citi Field.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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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
Jonathan Mechanic; Laurinda Martins; Michael Werner
Other key lawyers
Franz Rassman; Alexander Sutherland; Valerie Kelly