Real Estate: Southern Virginia

THE FIRM Operating from offices in Richmond and Fredericksburg, Hirschler Fleischer is a prominent player in Southern Virginia. The impressive 20-attorney real estate team handles a variety of matters, from complex leasing transactions to refinancings related to distressed real estate projects. The firm is especially well regarded for land use development work and regularly advises developers through zoning and permitting processes.

Sources say: "Excellent at what they do - leader of the pack."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Terry maintains his reputation as one of the leading commercial real estate lawyers in the state. He primarily advises lending institutions and investors on real estate loans and investments.

James Theobald is acclaimed as "a really strong player" who "listens well and looks for solutions." He acts for a core client base of real estate developers and has a formidable reputation for his work on land use matters.

Real estate department chair Charles Rothenberg offers clients expertise in transactional matters as well as zoning and land use. He demonstrates a particular forte in work surrounding hospital and medical facility projects.

Charles Payne is a talented up-and-coming partner at the firm. He sits within the business department and has a strong track record advising on commercial real estate transactions.

THE FIRM This preeminent team acts for clients both locally and nationally and is held in high esteem for its work on commercial real estate transactions. The attorneys' expertise spans the purchase and sale of real estate assets as well as real estate finance and development and construction projects. While the team's client base spans a range of industries, it has a particularly strong track record in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

Sources say: "From senior partner to paralegal, the people at Hunton & Williams are consummate professionals." "This firm is excellent. The lawyers are thorough and provide pragmatic advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The stellar William Walsh "is pragmatic, doesn't over-lawyer matters and is very responsive," say clients. He co-heads the firm's real estate team and has a focus on urban investment and redevelopment, private-public ventures and commercial leasing.

Appreciative clients note that Daniel Campbell is an "excellent communicator" who "really understands the relationship between in-house and outside counsel, and advises accordingly." He regularly advises real estate lenders, developers and owners on transactions in the renewable energy and natural resources sectors.

Andrew Tapscott is well versed in the full array of commercial real estate transactions, from acquisitions and dispositions to loan workouts and foreclosures.

Robert Proutt continues to impress as one of the firm's star associates. His recent body of work includes assisting landlords and tenants in commercial leasing matters and advising clients on mitigation banking.

THE FIRM McGuireWoods is a popular choice for statewide and regional real estate work thanks to its excellent breadth and depth of practice. The ten-attorney team covers a diverse range of matters, including real estate finance, PPP and land use and zoning. Dominion Virginia Power, AT&T and Veolia Water North America are all notable clients.

Sources say: "The attorneys are extremely knowledgeable and you really feel that they are looking out for your best interests."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market commentators are quick to identify John Cogbill as a "super lawyer," with one client asserting: "He is never adversarial when conflicts arise but instead always focuses on looking for solutions to problems." He specializes in land use and zoning matters.

The "very exceptional" Nancy Little is a transactional specialist. Her body of experience encompasses real estate lending, PPPs, M&A, portfolio transactions and real estate development.

Interviewees praise Gloria Freye's excellent work ethic, describing her as someone who demonstrates "excellent attention to detail" and is "totally dedicated to her clients." Her practice has an emphasis on zoning and site plan approvals for residential, office, commercial and industrial properties.

THE FIRM With six offices across Virginia this firm has an excellent understanding of the local market. The diversity of the real estate team's expertise has enabled it to maintain a high level of activity during the economic downturn. It acts for clients across a range of industry sectors on leasing, acquisitions and sales, financing, and land use and zoning matters.

Sources say: "A very client service-oriented firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior statesman Ralph Axselle is a hugely experienced attorney, particularly in land use, regulatory and administrative law.

Andrew Condlin's practice continues to go from strength to strength. Market observers endorse him as a "real leader in his area of practice," which centers on land use and zoning work.

THE FIRM This impressive group makes its debut in the rankings this year, having won praise for its expertise in complex real estate transactions. The attorneys' areas of focus include residential, retail, office and mixed-use projects as well as PPPs.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Land is a key contact.

THE FIRM This firm enjoys a strong reputation for its expertise in commercial real estate acquisition, finance, development and leasing transactions. It acts for a varied client base, including developers, REITs, entrepreneurial buyers and pension funds.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ed Kidd maintains a broad practice, acting on acquisition, development, sales and financing transactions as well as land use approval and rezoning. He counts Walmart as a key client.

THE FIRM This highly regarded team operates out of offices in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. It has considerable experience advising clients on the transfer, finance and development of commercial real estate, including retail sites and medical facilities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm managing partner Robert Dewey is endorsed as "an excellent attorney." He has a strong track record advising on purchases, sales and leasing transactions. 

Thomas Johnson is a dean of the Virginia Bar. His real estate expertise encompasses development projects, loans, workouts, financing transactions and joint ventures.