Squire Patton Boggs has been recognized as one of the top 15 real estate law firms in the annual Commercial Property Executive-Multi-Housing Real Estate Law Firms 2017 rankings. The publication uses a weighted formula based on a variety of factors, including the number of dedicated lawyers to the sector worldwide, the growth of the practice, and the size and nature of its top deals.
The firm's Real Estate Practice was involved in some of the most complex transactions in 2016. The team played a major role representing the conduit bond issuer in the landmark US$2.4 billion P3 LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment Project, addressing multiple complex issues, including the leasehold mortgage and ground lease terms. In Germany, the firm advised Deutsche Wohnen AG on the acquisition of the Harald portfolio of Patrizia Immobilien AG, which consists of German and Dutch companies, as well as real estate assets totaling 13,600 residential units, with a reported deal value of €1.1 billion (US$1.32 billion).
John Thomas, leader of the global Real Estate practice, said: "We are delighted to continue to be ranked among the top real estate law firms in the world. As demand for global cross-border expertise with strong local connections continues to grow for real estate transactions, our practice – and firm as a whole – is uniquely positioned to deliver real value for clients."
Over the course of the last year, the firm has made a number of strategic hires relating to our Real Estate Practice. Rahul Parrab and Dannelle Howley have bolstered the Australian practice in Sydney, Australia; John Danahy, who focuses on energy and infrastructure-related real estate, joined in London; Jeffrey M. Schagren, former General Counsel of Accor Business and Leisure North America, joined the firm in Dallas in January; and Elias Hayek, former Vice President of Legal – EMEA Division at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, joined in Dubai in May.