Real Estate: Arizona

THE FIRM This Scottsdale boutique continues to attract praise from peers and clients for its proven expertise in zoning and land use matters. Recent highlights for the team include assisting local entrepreneurs to secure approval from Scottsdale City Council for the rezoning of their property for a future mixed-use development project. Key clients include the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, the Thunderbird School of Global Management and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. 

Sources say: "You feel they are there to help you and are dedicated to finding the cleanest, fastest way to get things done. We'll use them again."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm co-founder John Berry is hugely respected for his professionalism, broad knowledge and "very solid practice" in Scottsdale. Clients value his accessibility and responsiveness, and his ability to "get things done in a gentle, nonabrasive way." He recently represented the city's largest employer, Scottsdale Healthcare, in winning approval for rezoning supporting a three-hospital medical system.   

THE FIRM This Scottsdale-based firm continues to handle high-profile zoning and land use matters for significant clients. It acted for Westcor Partners on the zoning requirements for a joint venture medical campus, emergency center and hospital development in north Phoenix, and successfully represented Bullington in securing approvals for the development of its proposed 100,000 sq ft Black Mountain Plaza retail center in Scottsdale.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Gilbert is widely hailed as a "very capable and accomplished" zoning attorney with immense experience and a long-standing reputation. He is particularly noted for his academic distinction and strategic insight, which inform his work for developers.

THE FIRM This team is noted for its experience in zoning and land use, and stands out for its in-depth local knowledge. It represents clients in the buoyant multifamily and recovering single-family development markets, and also acts for developers on seeking approval for more modest schemes on projects they have taken over. For example, it advised on the rezoning of a site in Chandler from a mixed-use to a single-family development, and acted for a national real estate developer on its plans to construct a 400-unit multifamily community in Phoenix. 

Sources say: "One of the premier firms in the area: they are respected because everything they do is done so professionally. They made things easier for us and really calmed local fears." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edwin Bull receives widespread praise as a "'roll up your sleeves and get dirty' kind of zoning attorney" with outstanding problem-solving skills and an "absolutely professional and respectful manner."

THE FIRM This team is part of a smaller firm operating chiefly in the Phoenix area, and acts for developers, builders, lenders and investors on commercial, industrial, residential and retail matters. It is particularly well qualified to handle acquisition and development, complex real estate litigation and leasing matters. The team is further noted for its readiness to try real estate-related cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants, to appellate level when required.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fred Fathe is an eminent attorney in this field who "knows everything and always does a good job," say sources. He is extensively experienced in all aspects of the practice area, and is particularly renowned for his prowess in matters of real property acquisition and development. 

David Lansky is widely recommended by peers, one of whom called him "terrific – as good as there is." Lansky stands out for his assistance on the acquisition, development or disposition of significant real estate assets such as power centers, lifestyle and entertainment complexes, and high-rise office or residential properties.

Of counsel Peter Winkler continues to apply his vast experience to commercial real estate, lending and development, and tenancy matters.  

THE FIRM The attorneys at this widely respected boutique focus on land use, zoning and property development matters in Phoenix Valley. The team acts for clients involved in a wide variety of projects, ranging from single-family to retail and commercial to master-planned community developments. It has extensive knowledge of the procedures necessary for securing permits and entitlements, and offers a comprehensive service throughout the entire development review process. It is noted for its good relationships with local regulators at city, county and state level. Recent clients include AAA Arizona, American Express and Westcor Partners.

Sources say: "They did a stellar job for us in a very tough zoning battle."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Earl has focused on zoning and land use matters in the Phoenix area for more than 30 years. He is highly regarded by clients, and is hailed by peers as "the dean of land use attorneys" and "the best in the Valley."

THE FIRM Fennemore Craig earns unanimous client praise for its comprehensive real estate offering, which includes zoning and land use issues. The team is one of the largest in the Southwest, and has developed a strong focus on acting for the developer community. Recent highlights include assisting a Maryland-based REIT with its $135 million acquisition of the Arizona Center office and retail complex in downtown Phoenix, and advising Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold on its proposed development of solar power facilities at two of its Arizona mining properties. The team has also represented 7-Eleven in numerous lease and purchase transactions across the Western USA.

Sources say: "One of the best firms in the real estate market – I have not dealt with another firm that has exceeded the level and quality of service that they provide." "They are deal-makers with the ability to see solutions and sell them to the other side."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregg Hanks is noted for his expertise in representing joint ventures and other partnerships in real estate transactions. He recently acted for several entities controlled by a family corporation on the sale of a 51% interest in Scottsdale's $200 million Kierland Commons shopping center.

According to clients and peers alike, practice chair Jay Kramer is "one of the best" real estate and transactional attorneys in Arizona. He is particularly active in representing home builders and planned community developers, and recently advised a long-standing client on the acquisition of a substantial master-planned community in Buckeye. He has also represented The NRP Group in several acquisitions supporting its development of affordable housing properties.

Michael Phalen chairs the land use planning and zoning practice, and is described as a "very well-rounded, responsive and proactive attorney who constitutes a very valuable resource" for clients. He recently acted for Rosemont Copper on the securing of water and electricity easements for its ambitious mining project in Pima County, and assisted Caballeros Inn & Ranch with land acquisition, lease and subdivision matters.  

Charles King practices across a broad range of real estate matters, with noted expertise in commercial leasing and Native American law. He is praised by clients as being "quick, creative, efficient and fantastically easy to work with." King was the lead lawyer for Freeport McMoRan, and also represented a Phoenix development and investment company in the $60 million acquisition of eight office buildings at Scottsdale's Pima Center.

Robert Robinson chairs the real estate finance practice and has more than 40 years' experience in handling acquisition, development and sale matters. Peers respect him as an "excellent and very skilled practitioner," while clients value his understanding of real estate matters across several states and his ability to "always bring in the right people for the job."  

THE FIRM Gallagher & Kennedy's Phoenix office offers the full range of real estate-related services, including a particularly strong zoning subgroup. The team continues to advise RED Development on the flagship CityScape office and retail project in Phoenix, and is negotiating and drafting lease and purchase documentation for grocery stores on behalf of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market. It is also expanding its scope of expertise through work for local Native American communities. In zoning matters, it advised Harvard Investments on its 1,100 acre master-planned community in Pinal County.

Sources say: "A business-oriented law firm that is very dialed-in to what's happening on the Arizona and Phoenix business scene, and with lots of contacts."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers are "very impressed" by real estate department head Alexander Broadfoot, while clients hail him as "a deal-maker who's great at finding common ground between tenants and landlords or buyers and sellers." His recent clients include RED Development, Lincoln Property and McShane Development. 

Dana Stagg Belknap is particularly experienced in advising clients seeking to develop master-planned communities, such as Harvard Investments. She also acts for clients involved in the lease or purchase of Arizona State Trust Land, and recently advised a major mining company on tailings impoundment issues. 

William Allison is also active in zoning and land use matters, and is praised by clients as being "knowledgeable, productive and successful." He has acted for Sunflower Farmers Markets on various entitlement matters, advised a local baseball team on signage matters, and acted for a major mineral exploration and development company on copper recovery operations on leased State Trust Land.

THE FIRM This compact, widely respected zoning and land use planning group is noted for its ability to represent property owners and developers seeking required approvals, and to act for individuals, community groups and municipalities with concerns about proposed developments. It notably specializes in handling matters involving Arizona State Trust Lands, which are often targeted for master-planned community development.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very accomplished" Grady Gammage draws on personal experience as a real estate developer, elected official and academic urban growth specialist to provide clients with a widely praised and uniquely well-rounded perspective on zoning issues.

Stephen Anderson has specialized in land use law for 20 years, and is fully experienced in handling entitlement processes for business premises, power plants, master-planned communities and recreational resorts. 

THE FIRM This real estate practice offers a comprehensive service and can draw on the firm's nationwide resources when necessary. It has seen a noted increase in the proportion of its workload dedicated to loan restructuring and PPPs. It also maintains a high level of expertise in handling master-planned community matters, and has extended its experience in the State Trust Lands sector. The team recently acted for DMB Associates on the pre-development and financing aspects of a $435 million, 3,500 acre master-planned community to be developed at the former GM Proving Grounds at Mesa. It also represents Central Park East Associates in its $175 million multiuse development in Phoenix, and assists Sunbelt Holdings with the management of a large and varied real estate asset portfolio acquired from SunCor Development.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rebecca Lynne Burnham manages the Phoenix group and is especially proficient in matters involving master-planned communities, mixed-use developments and State Trust Lands. She is prominent in the Central Park East and DMB Associates deals, and has also acted for a major sports team in connection with the development of multimillion-dollar spring training facilities. 

Lesa Storey specializes in all aspects of the acquisition, development, operation and sale of mixed-use and master-planned community developments, and is hailed as "one of the best real estate attorneys and a pleasure to work with." She has a particular niche in golf course projects, and has recently acted for Sunbelt Holdings, Vistancia Holdings and Power North.

THE FIRM Lewis and Roca maintains a substantial real estate practice in Arizona, with the Phoenix office representing financial institutions and real estate companies in property purchases, sales and leases, while the Tucson office focuses on zoning and land use matters in southern Arizona. The firm is notably strong in representing clients outside its local Southwest region, with examples including acting for a major insurance company on the expansion of industrial premises in Texas and advising a real estate company on the acquisition of a portfolio of restaurants across the Midwest. Closer to home, the team has advised an international solar power generator on the real estate aspects of developing a new plant in Arizona, and acted for a multinational retailer on all its southern Arizona land use entitlement requirements.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Randall Stokes concentrates on planned residential, commercial or mixed-use developments, and those involving hospitals or healthcare corporations. He is also highly experienced in representing landlords and tenants in the making of commercial, office and retail lease agreements.

Managing partner Kenneth Van Winkle specializes in representing banks, insurance companies and REITs in all manner of real estate finance transactions. He is also practiced in the acquisition and disposition of residential, industrial, commercial and retail assets, and advises a number of restaurant chains on leasing matters.

Of counsel John Hink has a wide-ranging commercial real estate practice, covering matters from financing through construction and development to disposition. He is also skilled in loan restructuring matters, and is particularly praised for his expertise in leasing issues. 

Andrew Schorr is similarly respected in the practice area for handling a wide variety of matters for buyers and sellers, borrowers and lenders, and landlords and tenants. He is active in the industrial, commercial and residential spheres, and also regularly advises on debt restructurings and loan workouts.

THE FIRM The real estate group here focuses on the acquisition and sale of real property, secured financing and commercial leases. It is especially noted for its expertise in the application of Indian law to real estate matters, and acted for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community in connection with a multifaceted commercial and recreational real estate development adjoining a major freeway corridor. Other highlights for the team include representing Wells Fargo in the lease or purchase of a number of commercial properties, and acting for a private individual on the acquisition of land and the preparation of a construction contract for what may become the largest residence in the state.

Sources say: "Valuable input regarding process, risk and key decisions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jones Osborn's comprehensive mastery of real estate matters attracts clients such as Wells Fargo and the Arizona chapter of the Automobile Association of America. One particularly satisfied client highlighted his "deep experience and impressive ability to translate our often loose requirements into cogent and easily digestible language," adding: "Keeping him involved in decisions is always beneficial." 

THE FIRM As part of a respected national firm, Perkins Coie's real estate and land use team in Phoenix is well placed to attract clients from beyond state lines; for example, it recently acted for a client selling a large retail property in the Chicago metropolitan area. The group also benefits from expertise in representing CMBS noteholders, which has led to its involvement in several eight or nine-figure loan restructuring transactions in states such as Arkansas, California, Colorado and Texas.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ronald Lowe has acted as lead attorney in the team's most significant real estate transactions of late. He is a seasoned practitioner in all aspects of practice area work, and has recently focused on representing CMBS special servicers in a number of states.

THE FIRM This team is lauded by clients and respected by peers for the consistently high quality of its service. It is active in acquisition, deposition, financing, leasing and development matters. Backed by the firm's broad network of offices, the group has handled deals in 40 states in recent months, acting for clients such as JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Property Trust and Wells Fargo. It also specializes in representing Native American clients, and notably advised the Pascua Yaqui Tribe on a $100 million hotel development. The team has also been a pioneer in the reawakening of the CMBS market through its involvement in an $85 million loan transaction.

Sources say: "Quarles & Brady has a very good reputation in the Phoenix real estate market and compares very favorably with other firms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Diane Haller earns praise for her comprehensive mastery of her field, with sources highlighting her as "the consummate real estate lawyer, with a great command of the issues and of the right approaches to solving problems." She is also recommended by peers, especially for her handling of secured loans. Haller recently acted for a client on the complex multimillion-dollar acquisition of an undeveloped master-planned community.  

Derek Sorenson is noted for his strong knowledge of real estate law and processes in Arizona, and for his "strong practical business viewpoint: he adds significant value to all of the projects he works on." He stands out for his expertise in matters involving commercial real estate development and project finance. His recent highlights include advising a client on the $70 million financing and acquisition of sand mining operations, and representing a joint venture in a $100 million mixed-use development embracing medical and retail premises. 

Matthew Mehr specializes in the negotiation and documentation of real estate finance transactions, particularly those entailing loan workouts, extensions, and modifications. He recently advised a major financial institution on a multimillion-dollar revolving, borrowing base loan to the affiliate entities of a REIT.

THE FIRM This growing firm now fields ten real estate lawyers in its Phoenix office. Its real estate finance know-how attracts banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions as clients, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Meridian Bank. The team handles the full range of real estate matters, from the drafting of commercial leases to the development of a master-planned community. It places a strong emphasis on staffing matters leanly, concentrating expertise and facilitating cost-effectiveness. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ripp combines banking and finance expertise with an understanding of the real estate market to advise banks and financial institutions on all pertinent transactions. He is especially strong in matters involving loan modifications, workouts and, where necessary, foreclosures and receiverships. 

THE FIRM The strong real estate group at this large, well-established firm incorporates an active zoning and land use practice. Clients including major domestic corporations, and significant inbound investors are drawn to its breadth and depth of experience, extensive regional reach and well-cultivated relationships at all levels of government. The team notably acted for Swift Transportation on a complex multijurisdictional matter, securing $2 billion credit in facilities linked to a portfolio of 35 properties across 20 US states and in Mexico. It also advised Canadian-based REIT Sunstone on hotel purchases totaling $75 million in Arizona and Texas, and acted for First Solar on the real estate and entitlement aspects of its development of a major solar panel manufacturing and technology campus at Mesa.

Sources say: "It is really embedded in the community and very well respected." "Their ability to open doors is a very important thing for us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jody Pokorski has particular expertise in real estate financing and acquisition, subdivision and leasing. She is recommended by peers as "a very fine lawyer," and is praised by clients as "a most knowledgeable and professional attorney who is attentive to her client, very efficient with her time and a very good negotiator." 

Joyce Wright heads the firm's real estate, commercial finance, environmental and energy practice group, and has comprehensive experience in the field. She is hailed as "a very capable attorney who does a great job in managing relationships, keeping track of issues and staying on top of the workload." In addition to being lead attorney on the First Solar matter, she led the team advising HH Luhrs on its hotel development project in downtown Phoenix, and acted for CoBank, ACB on its liquidation of the assets of Snowflake White Mountain Power.

Craig Williams is widely recognized by peers for his proficiency across the real estate spectrum, and is singled out for his skill in lending transactions and those involving distressed properties. 

Nicholas Wood heads the zoning and land use department and is valued by clients for his "personable and optimistic" demeanor, "sound technical knowledge" and excellent strategic advice. He is also highlighted as "a good adviser on navigating the complex waters of government relationships and political process." He represented Rockefeller in its $150 million development in Chandler, and advised the historic Biltmore Resort on its $100 million redevelopment. 

Jay Wiley is praised as an "excellent and very skilled practitioner, dedicated to good representation." He acts across a wide range of real estate transactions, representing developers, investors, buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. 

THE FIRM This well-regarded zoning and land use boutique continues to punch above its weight in the Phoenix area, acting for both private developers and public sector clients, and handling land use-related litigation when required. It has recently acted for the developers of the 152-acre Continuum science and technology business park at Chandler, and for Ritz-Carlton on the plan amendment, rezoning and development agreement requirements for its Paradise Valley campus. Other clients include Volkswagen and The Trump Organization.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Michael Withey has more than 25 years' experience in the land use sphere, and is lauded as "a very good zoning lawyer" by peers. He is particularly noted for his understanding of the political processes attending real estate development work.  

Fellow founding partner Jason Morris is recognized by peers as a "well-established" attorney in his field. He focuses on the fine detail of planning law, and has experience in representing leading national master plan developers, home builders and retail chains. He regularly litigates for property owners against local authorities in land use cases.