Real Estate: Missouri

THE FIRM This robust St. Louis-based team enjoys a great reputation for real estate finance. The group represents construction companies, developers and investors on local and national matters, with a current emphasis on energy and incentive-based redevelopment projects. It continues to win mandates from notable clients including City of St. Louis, U.S. Bank and Centene Corporation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Timothy Tryniecki is "a well-known real estate lawyer who is very easy to deal with.” He heads the firm's public finance and real estate department, focusing his practice on the energy, transportation and redevelopment areas. In the past year, he has been engaged in several significant projects, including advising AmerenUE on a $100 million zoning amendment to a utility waste landfill zoning.

James Mello is “a very capable real estate practitioner” and a go-to attorney in the areas of governmental approval and tax financing. Recent notable work includes advising Schnucks Markets in connection with the rezoning of a site from residential to commercial.

The highly experienced Daniel Wofsey is another key member of the team. He is well versed in public building projects and lease negotiations. In the past year he advised Bank of Washington on a $15 million New Markets Tax Credit project financing. 

Kansas City–based Ford Nelson enjoys a fine reputation for his long-established real estate practice. He combines strong knowledge of banking and real estate law, advising financial institutions and businesses on real estate financing transactions. 

THE FIRM With a strong presence nationwide and internationally, this firm's strong St. Louis-based team handles real estate transactions across the board, assisting clients on development projects, land use, financing and ownership issues. Clients are drawn from a variety of sectors and include AIMCO Properties, Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis and Monsanto.

Sources say: "We are very happy with our relationship with this group of very good real estate lawyers. They handle the bulk of our transactions with very seamless services.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Murray “is excellent on the legal aspects of the transactions but, just as importantly, provides very strong strategic and tactical business advice,” one client enthuses. He recently advised Monsanto on its corporate facilities work, which involved various purchases, sales and leasing of facilities throughout the US. 

Experienced real estate lawyer Bruce Lowry comes particularly recommended for his work in the railroad industry and recently acted for Terminal Railroad Association in a railroad right-of-way purchase and its subsequent development.

Harold Burroughs is a well-respected practitioner in the legal community, recognized for his broad experience in numerous areas including banking, finance, and bankruptcy in addition to real estate. In the real estate arena, he is best known for representing developers and lenders, as well as real estate leasing transactions. His significant work of late includes advising the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center on a series of developments and leasings of facilities.

John Hoffman has a strong focus on the transactional side of real estate work, representing clients in acquisition and financing deals. A recent key mandate is his role as key North American adviser to Hanesbrands with respect to its sale-and-leaseback in Canada, and build-to-suit lease projects in the US and Mexico.

"Very capable and efficient,” Linda Martinez is widely regarded as an expert for public sector real estate projects and is well versed in financing, tax and regulatory issues related to this area. She has recently advised Laurel Partners on its downtown mixed-use development project in St. Louis, which involved financing and tax credit issues.

Kansas City-based Stephen Sparks's strong experience and expertise in all aspects of public finance means he is highly sought after to assist with real estate development and finance. Recent representative work has seen him act as national counsel for AIMCO Properties on several real estate financings throughout the US. 

Daniel Nester is particularly recommended for real estate-related litigation, in addition to his abilities on transactions. He advises corporates from various industries, and one of his recent highlights was in assisting Global Brass and Copper on facilities leasing, purchasing and sales in North America.

THE FIRM This national firm enjoys an excellent reputation in the state and maintains a strong presence in both St. Louis and Kansas City. It comes recommended for its focus on financing work, construction and tax credit issues and is also noted for its strength in real estate-related disputes. During the past year, it has seen an increasing number of instructions in finance work and in infrastructure-related issues. 

Sources say: "The team offers lots of experience in handling complicated situations. I am overall pleased with this group of thorough, timely, smart, competent and responsive lawyers.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Snyder is the managing partner of the firm's Kansas City office and also chairs its real estate practice. He remains a very active player in the market and advises on a broad range of real estate-related issues, particularly with regard to the financing and leasing of commercial properties. He is also commonly called upon to handle land use matters.

St. Louis-based Jennifer Marler predominantly focuses on advising lenders and banks on soft workouts, involving buying projects out of bankruptcy.

THE FIRM This St. Louis real estate team is a strong competitor in the market, despite its relatively compact size. Its success stems from a dedicated team of attorneys who concentrate on a broad range of real estate matters, including construction and development, and existing projects preservation and upgrading. The group is also well versed in zoning and leasing. In addition, its strengths in the retail and healthcare sectors, and expertise in financing, refinancing and bankruptcy work, are particularly singled out by commentators. Notable clients include The Koman Group and Pace Properties.

Sources say: "This firm's lawyers are nice to deal with and strive to understand our business so that they can give direct advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Story is well known for advising retailers on leasing, sales and acquisitions and refinancing. "He is an excellent attorney: he understands the market and looks out for our interests, working well with both the legal and business areas of our firm," notes one impressed client.

THE FIRM This large, well-rounded firm excels in the real estate arena and maintains a strong presence in both Kansas City and St. Louis. It offers a depth of resources in lending, leasing and tax credit work and is also highly sought for its expertise in corporate portfolio management and private partnership development. The group services a wide range of clients in various industries, working particularly closely with agricultural businesses. It recently advised a developer on a complex revitalization of a number of buildings, involving state revenue bonds and tax credit components.

Sources say: "A first-class firm which provides advice and work product that is on a par, and often exceeds, that of the 'top' law firms in the country. They provide fast, professional service at a great price. I am consistently impressed with this firm and recommend them to everyone I can."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cochair David Fenley is highly knowledgeable and experienced in commercial development projects and real estate financing. He is widely regarded as "a very capable and active player locally" and has been involved in several recent high-profile development projects in Kansas City. 

The "talented and smart up-and-comer" John Crossley stands out for development matters, purchase and sale transactional work, as well as leasing negotiations. He took the lead advising Cerner on land purchase contracts and development agreements regarding its proposed bioresearch facility development in Kansas.

St. Louis-based Gregory Smith is a leading real estate lawyer in Missouri for private partnerships, redevelopment projects and government relations. "I have been impressed by his 'off the top of his head' knowledge and effectiveness," one client asserted. He has recently been named managing partner of the firm.

John McNearney focuses on advising various financial institutions and lenders on commercial real estate transactions and loans. He is acclaimed as a "very detailed and knowledgeable lawyer who understands the business."

Craig Biesterfeld is noted for his expertise in the commercial development area where he focuses particularly on leasing, zoning and land use, as well as acquisition and financing. He recently advised a couple of leading clients on redevelopment negotiations.

The highly-regarded Gary Feder advises on zoning work and comes particularly recommended for his work on public and private partnership matters.

Richard Feldman is the firm's primary corporate real estate attorney, assisting corporates on property portfolio management. In addition, he is also highly sought for assistance with construction projects and real estate developments.

Kathleen Mueller has a well-rounded real estate practice, regularly handling property-related acquisitions, dispositions, development and financing for corporates, developers and banks.

Melissa Smith-Groff is a very active and competent player in the St. Louis corporate real estate market. She advises clients on the gamut of real estate matters, including acquisition and sale, development, leasing and finance, as well as corporate portfolio management. Highlights include handling Covidien's nationwide property portfolio and advising on all its real estate needs throughout the country.

David Linenbroker is best known for his real estate development-related work and he is praised by sources for his meticulousness and dedication. "He is extremely knowledgeable about real estate, provides top-notch advice and is a joy to work with," one client enthused. He is noted for his recent work advising the Saint Louis Art Museum on all aspects of its Forest Park facilities expansion project, involving contracts, negotiations and financing.

THE FIRM This growing firm is recognized as a real force in the Kansas City market and has a fine bench of real estate experts. Offering a full-range service, the team has a strong focus and strength on government tax projects, mortgage lending and commercial leasing negotiations. In addition, clients also appreciate its practical advice and experience in zoning and development work. AMC Entertainment, America Financial Life & Annuity Insurance and Bank of America are among its key clients.

Sources say: "I have not had a situation which the firm has not had the expertise to handle. They are honest and worked with me to understand the process and create the best possible outcome." "Their main strengths are good organization and a great customer service culture. They place great importance in building a long-term relationship with clients and taking great interest in helping them achieve their objectives."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Don Dagenais advises on development, financing, leasing, purchases and sales, and is well versed in construction-related matters. Of late, he has seen an uptick in instructions in relation to tax credit issues. "His strength is his ability to interact both with us as clients as well as the other side, making sure that everybody is on the same page, and making sure we come together in terms which we both agree to," says one impressed source.

Jerome Riffel combines his specialist knowledge of government approvals and government agencies with his solid zoning, development and financing practice, and is praised by sources as "very effective in dealing with government-related matters." Over the past year, he advised a developer of a manufacturing facility on a range of real estate-related issues, including financing, local and state incentives, and land use regulation.

Stephen Mitchell handles transactional work, including development, leases, land use and zoning, and is particularly active in the historic preservation area. Of late he advised the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City on its $11.7 million purchase of a historic building in downtown Kansas City.

St. Louis-based John King is a land use and zoning expert, who has a great reputation for "getting things done." 

THE FIRM Real estate continues to be one of this Kansas City firm's key areas of strength and its practice elicits much admiration in the market for its deep bench of talent. It remains highly sought after for its development and financing work and maintains a particular niche in retail-related real estate matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "smart and technically very strong," Peter DiGiovanni is particularly known for his expertise in lease negotiations and general transactional work.

Charles Miller chairs the firm's Kansas City real estate group and is highly rated for his finance skills. He has a broad practice and is mostly seen in new development and construction projects, advising on leasing, real estate-related financing and tax credit matters.

The "very reliable and technically proficient" John Cruz is a widely respected lawyer, who represents owners, developers, vendors and lenders in real estate development and financing projects. He primarily focuses on property leasing and is sought after by landlords and tenants.

Mark Eisemann's expertise covers the full range of real estate development projects, particularly in the area of leasing office and retail properties.

With over 30 years of experience, William Carr enjoys a fine reputation for his broad expertise in traditional real estate work. He comes particularly recommended for his work on new construction and development projects. 

THE FIRM This firm continues to be a leader in the Kansas City market and also maintains a presence in St. Louis. The team's strength is widely recognized and it excels in both financing and development matters. Clients especially appreciate the breadth and depth of experience it brings to the table. Over the past year the group has been busy with a major real estate loan restructuring for the lender to a group of nursing homes. In addition, its advice has been sought in other development projects by leading clients, including Price Brothers Management, PNC Real Estate Finance and Valley View Bank.

Sources say: "They have the ability to give me an answer that I have confidence in, within a short time frame. "

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Flanigan heads the firm's real estate department and is described by clients as "brilliant when it comes to real estate financing and bankruptcy." He played a leading role in the major loan restructuring mentioned above.

With 40 years of experience, Lonnie Shalton is regarded as one of the deans of real estate and a significant player in the Kansas City market. He has generated an impressive client base for the firm, and retains an active role in managing relationships with New York clients. One of his ongoing highlights is his representation of Extell Development Company on all aspects of its $1.4 billion real estate development project in Midtown Manhattan, involving acquisition, financing and development. 

Senior member of the team, Irwin Blond is one of the leading corporate real estate lawyers in Kansas City. He plays an active role in the areas of acquisition and sales and property tax appeals. Recent highlights include advising VC Associates on a $55 million high rise condominium development and construction project.

Lisa Haines has over 25 years of experience in transactional real estate matters and is playing a leading role in Extell's purchase of Carlton House Hotel in Manhattan, advising on financing and development agreements.

Robert Fitzgerald is a very experienced real estate lawyer, involved in a broad range of transactions, construction, developments and general partnerships.

The "solid and very experienced" Maribeth McMahon chairs the firm's real estate finance practice, and focuses on banking, financing and loan issues in the real estate context. She led the financing side in the major nursing home project mentioned above.

Michael Shteamer is best known for his real estate litigation work and has over three decades of experience in commercial property loans-related documentation work.

Rising star Chase Simmons is "a bright lawyer who has established a fine reputation" for himself, particularly in the field of real estate development and land use. He has had an active year and been involved in some high-profile projects, such as advising Rainbow Real Estate on all aspects of a mixed-use real estate project in Kansas City.

The "capable and reputable” Janice Hetland advises banks on development and financing, but is perhaps best known for her tax and credit work. She operates out of St. Louis alongside Jared Minkoff. Minkoff is also known for tax and credit work, and makes his debut in the rankings this year due in no small part to the quality of advice he gives to lenders on tax issues.

THE FIRM This established firm's robust Kansas City team is well equipped to handle all manner of transactional, development and dispute-related real estate work. It comes particularly recommended for its expertise in structured financed lending. Its stellar client roster includes Angelica, Fine Investment and Pulte Homes.

Sources say: "Stinson offers all of the experience, depth of knowledge and multiple disciplines of a large firm with the responsiveness and personal service of a small firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly-regarded David Frantze heads the firm's real estate practice and advises on a broad range of real estate issues, covering new developments, lease negotiations and representing vendors in financing projects.

Todd LaSala wins much praise for his expertise on the transactional side, with one source describing him as "a lawyer with the attitude of 'how do we get the deal done.'" He also elicits praise from clients for his ability to "think outside of the box and understand the deal with a great entrepreneurial streak."

Catherine Hauber has a diverse real estate practice, with recent highlights including charter school developments and handling lease work for a variety of properties.

The "very experienced and capable" Charles Misko cochairs the firm's St. Louis office and enjoys a fine reputation for his real estate work, which ranges from acquisitions and financing to leasing and new developments. He is well versed in handling developments and transactions concerning a variety of properties including office blocks, hotels, shopping malls and industrial facilities.

"Excellent player" Neil Shortlidge is known for his counsel to government entities on land use and planning issues related to zoning. "He did a great job for us and is a recognized expert in Kansas on such issues," a satisfied client affirmed.

THE FIRM Real estate work is a key strength of this solid St. Louis-based firm. The group is known for its real estate financing expertise and has also seen an increase in tax credit matters. In addition, the team comes recommended for its work in office building and large-scale health system development. In a recent highlight, it acted as transaction counsel to Sisters of Mercy HealthCare System in a build-to-suit lease construction of an orthopedic hospital.

Sources say: "They did an excellent job, not only consulting on the legal side, but also applying it to business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Engle is regarded by clients as "a trusted adviser for a range of matters." He advises on development and leasing, and in the past year has worked on the expansion of a railway yard for a global food stocks processor. He cochairs the real estate team with the highly-regarded Paul Macon. Of late, Macon has been heavily engaged in healthcare construction and development work. He is also regularly sought by banks and financial institutions to handle real estate-related finance work.

The "very smart and capable" Amelia Frankel is a rising star in the real estate community and enjoys a fine reputation for her tax credit work.

THE FIRM This compact but much admired Kansas City boutique continues to be a leading player in the state for land use and zoning work. The group is also sought after to advise on development projects and has additional expertise in real estate financing.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leading practitioner Michael White enjoys a wonderful reputation in the market and advises on land use, real estate development, zoning and financing matters. 

Aaron March and James Bowers are similarly widely recognized as experts in land use and development work in the local market. Bowers is also a former Assistant City Attorney and highlighted for his insight into building regulations.

John Weisenfels is another key member of the firm's real estate team, with a strong practice focus on the financing side of real estate projects.