Real Estate: Wisconsin

THE FIRM This 15-strong team wins particular praise for its expertise in public finance deals. It also advises on tax, land use and redevelopment issues. A recent highlight saw it handle the formation of a real estate fund on behalf of Eliason, which included the purchase of more than $450 million in multifamily apartment buildings across the USA. The group also counts Integrys Energy, Citi, Bank of America and American Girl among its impressive client roster.

Sources say: "The attorneys I work with are very skilled with condominium law and unique financing transactions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Hatch concentrates on real estate finance and investment trusts, and is also sought after for his expertise in tax-exempt bonds and tax credit programs. Sources single out his practical approach to matters and his "fundamental understanding of the economic aspects of transactions."

"Skilled technician" Sarah Jelencic is particularly praised for her work on condominiums and major development projects. She also advises on New Markets Tax Credit matters, leasings and acquisitions.

Hugh O'Halloran focuses on commercial real estate, which includes multifamily housing developments and golf courses. He is also well versed in PPPs relating to brownfield redevelopment.

THE FIRM Quarles & Brady provides advice on a broad spectrum of real estate matters, including leasing, sales, acquisitions and real estate finance. In the past year the team represented Assisted Living Concept in the refinancing of its $125 million credit. Other notable clients include Eaton Corporation, HSA Commercial and JPMorgan Chase.

Sources say: "They accentuate the positive and try to get the deal done. They are facilitators rather than obstructors."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Puchner is "available 24/7, and is very sensitive to accuracy and timeframes." A recent highlight saw him represent Wisconsin Electric Power in the development of a large-scale, 90-turbine wind farm project.

Michael Ostermeyer splits his time between the Chicago and Milwaukee office and is singled out by interviewees for his "top-notch" client service. Sources also reserve praise for his industrious and pragmatic approach, and describe him as an attorney who "knows how to get the deal done." 

Ann Comer enjoys a fine reputation for real estate finance as well as New Markets Tax Credits and commercial financing. In the past year Comer, alongside her colleague Kevin Delorey, advised the City of Madison on the New Markets Tax Credit aspects regarding the renovation of the city's main library. Delorey is described as "a very competent and skilled attorney," and alongside his work for the City of Madison, has also recently acted as a local counsel to JPMorgan Chase in a real estate loan transaction.

Scott Langlois "gets to know his clients and represents them well," sources say. He is noted for his strong drafting skills, with clients especially applauding the manner in which he ensures "all the areas are covered appropriately."

THE FIRM This comprehensive real estate group provides high-quality advice on matters including condominiums, leasing, construction litigation and zoning. Attorneys at the team offer a broad spectrum of experience ranging from hotel, leisure and retail developments to office buildings, and multifamily and assisted housing. Its clients include GE, Nomura Securities International, Esquire Petroleum and Blake Capital.

Sources say: "Very capable, very diligent, reasonable and good to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bruce Block is "very pragmatic, extremely confident, smart and focused on completing the deal." His recent highlights include advising on the sale of Columbia Hospital Campus and acting on the redevelopment of the former Schlitz Brewery.

Jesse Ishikawa is described as "a very good technical lawyer," and is particularly praised for his land use expertise. In the last year, he represented Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts in its reorganization and division into two condominiums. He also acted for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa on the reorganization of its Edgewood Campus.

Harvey Temkin has over 30 years of experience advising on real estate and financing matters. His clients include North Central Group, The Fiore Companies, CHT Apartment Rentals and Monson Construction.

Deborah Tomczyk's recent highlights include advising Dickmans and PNC Bank on the financing of various turnkey developments.

Dean Richards represents landowners and developers in zoning, land division and development matters. He also counsels municipalities and counties on land use issues.

THE FIRM This group represents equity investors and developers in joint venture structures, and advises developers and municipalities on tax incremental financing as well as a variety of private and public projects. Its clientele includes Irgens Development Partners, Kaufman Jacobs and Forest County Potawatomi Community.

Sources say: "The attorneys are very skilled and reasonable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients particularly appreciate Steve Chernof's "tremendous experience" and "very broad knowledge," and also value his ability to balance legal aspects of a situation with a business-focused perspective. The restructuring of a REIT is among his recent highlights.

Michael Dwyer is a "pragmatic lawyer, focused on the things that need to be done to get the deal through." Clients recommend him for large, complex projects. He recently represented a developer in a build to lease of a large office building.

THE FIRM This practice has expertise across all areas of real estate, condominium law and construction litigation. In the past year the team has assisted a number of manufacturers in obtaining bond financing, advised developers on acquisitions as well as the financing and leasing of shopping centers, and counseled clients in connection to property tax assessments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bradley Dallet focuses on real estate finance and transactions. His clients include Roundy's Supermarkets, RE Enterprises and Boulder Venture.

Hal Karas is well versed in the development and redevelopment of industrial and office buildings, and also advises on financing in New Markets Tax Credit transactions. 

Nathaniel Hoffman's recent highlights include advising a national pension fund on the drafting and negotiation of a number of leases across three states.

THE FIRM This team is well versed in all areas of real estate law and acts for owners, developers and contractors, among others, on a wide range of projects, from shopping centers and hotels to office buildings and mixed-use developments. In addition, the team is noted for its experience on the real estate aspects of agriculture and energy transactions as well as renewable energy projects.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joshua Gimbel is an experienced litigator who concentrates on cases involving zoning, easements, purchase agreements and condemnation matters. He has also been involved in the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law matters.

Nancy Leary Haggerty is an authority on government financing programs and is also noted for her experience in hotel and condominium development and timeshares.

Bret Roge is commonly called upon to assist with real estate and tax matters in connection with business transactions, acting on behalf of both private and public organizations, nonprofits and limited liability companies.

Alan Marcuvitz continues to represent private sector clients as well as local governments in matters including property taxation and real estate development.