Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s real estate team is well-known for its diverse practice, spanning all areas of the real estate industry from mergers and acquisitions of both public and private real estate companies, to the sale and acquisition of portfolios and individual assets. Further, the team has well-evidenced expertise in handling financing deals, developments, joint ventures, and debt restructurings. With prowess in the capital markets and financing areas, the firm is well-positioned to advise institutional investors on complex real estate issues and represents leading private equity real estate fund managers on a regular basis. The team is led by New York-based Sasan Mehrara, who focuses primarily on representing private equity companies and non-traded REITs. The team’s depth of talent is demonstrated by lawyers Gregory Ressa, Scott Kobak, and Krista Miniutti, all based in New York, who have experience that ranges from advising real estate opportunity funds to handling joint ventures and financings. Further support is provided by Whitney Salinas, who regularly represents private equity firms and portfolio companies in a wide range of transactions, and Aron Zuckerman, also based in New York, who has experience with bridge and construction loans across all major asset classes.
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Profile

Key clients

  • Blackstone
  • KKR
  • The Carlyle Group
  • Centerbridge
  • KSL Capital Partners
  • Northwood Investors
  • QTS Realty
  • Alterra Mountain
  • Cologix
  • Great Wolf Resorts

Work highlights

Advised Blackstone and the consortium formed with the CPPIB in the A$24bn ($16.1bn) acquisition of AirTrunk.
Advised KKR Real Estate on its strategic joint venture with Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated to own and invest in quality medical outpatient buildings.
Advised KSL Capital Partners on its $1.4bn acquisition of Hersha Hospitality Trust.

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

Sasan Mehrara

Other key lawyers

Gregory Ressa; Scott Kobak; Krista Miniutti; Whitney Salinas; Aron Zuckerman