The global firm Jones Day announces that Leigh K. Hughes has joined the Firm’s Financial Markets Practice as a partner in its New York Office. Prior to joining Jones Day, Ms. Hughes practiced in the New York office of Riemer & Braunstein LLP.
Ms. Hughes represents financial institutions and debt funds in sophisticated real estate finance transactions on a national basis, including single-lender and agented, multilender construction, mezzanine refinancing transactions, construction loans, permanent financings, forward loan commitments, revolving credit facilities, and loan participations. Recent matters include representing the agent in a $1.25 billion dollar multilender loan comprised of direct purchase bonds and conventional financing for the construction of three residential towers on the west side of midtown Manhattan. She also represented the agent in a $550 million dollar multilender loan for the permanent financing of 53 hotel properties located in 14 states.
“Leigh brings a wealth of experience to Jones Day. She is not only well-versed in all types of real estate finance transactions, but also brings valuable experience in guiding clients through complex structured finance transactions,” said Jay Tambe, who heads Jones Day’s Financial Markets Practice, the Firm’s fully integrated group with more than 300 lawyers advising banks and other financial market participants on a full range of cross-border financial transactions, regulatory matters, investigations, and litigations. “Leigh is a wonderful addition to our already deeply talented global team.”
Ms. Hughes also has extensive experience representing commercial and institutional lenders in complex affordable housing transactions, including tax-exempt bond transactions, bond credit enhancement, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executions, and government-subsidized mortgage lending programs.
“Leigh is an outstanding lawyer and her acute understanding of the real estate industry makes her a go-to source for our clients particularly during these challenging times,” said Lee DeJulius, Partner-in-Charge of the Firm’s New York Office. “We welcome her to Jones Day and look forward to her contributions.”
Prior to pursuing her legal career, Ms. Hughes worked in finance and accounting as an assistant controller for Marriott Hotels & Resorts. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Ms. Hughes is also a licensed real estate broker. She is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and the New York State Association for Affordable Housing.
