Real Estate

Zuckerman Spaeder LLP has significant experience in sophisticated regional and national real estate matters. We work closely with individuals and companies—including commercial real estate developers, operators, owners, brokers, financiers, contractors, and architects—in the acquisition, development, leasing, and financing of real estate assets. Our clients range in size and financial strength from start-up and entrepreneurial ventures to more established players in the real estate industry. In addition to traditional real estate clients, we have assisted a number of international labor unions and nonprofit organizations with their real estate needs, including purchasing, financing, and leasing office properties.

An integral part of the commercial real estate industry is the acquisition and sale of real property. Zuckerman Spaeder helps many clients acquire and sell undeveloped and developed land, including commercial office buildings and shopping centers, housing developments and apartment complexes, and research and development parks. We also represent clients in various forms of build-to-suit projects, such as projects built for sale to or lease by the future occupant. Our work includes the negotiation of construction contracts and contracts for professional services, advice relating to the formation of legal entities, negotiation of equity positions in real estate projects, and transition of ownership, among other matters. In each instance, we prepare, review, and negotiate all necessary documentation, including security and conveyancing agreements and instruments. We also regularly handle title insurance and survey issues.

Our clients own or occupy residential and commercial properties throughout the region, and Zuckerman Spaeder represents them in a wide range of commercial leasing matters, including large and small office, commercial, retail, and shopping center leases. In addition to our prime lease work, the firm represents landlords and tenants in subleasing and lease assignment matters. While our real estate attorneys have developed form leases, we also craft individual leases and lease provisions for landlords in new buildings or for special use situations.

We regularly represent clients in traditional construction and permanent financing transactions, in equity financing and in ground lease and sale-leaseback transactions. We also help clients faced with unique or unusual situations and have developed the expertise to address non-traditional real estate problems.

The real estate business is vulnerable to cash flow problems and litigation risks. Our attorneys represent clients in a wide array of real estate litigation matters, including brokerage, contract liens, and land use disputes. We regularly litigate disputes involving partnerships, leases, purchase, construction, and other contracts. When necessary, our attorneys work with clients through loan and contract defaults, workouts, and reorganizations.