Latham Expands Real Estate Practice With Addition of Two Commercial Real Estate Finance Lawyers

Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that David Freedman and John Spears have joined the firm’s New York office. Freedman joins as a partner and Spears as counsel in the Real Estate Practice and members of the Corporate Department. Freedman and Spears join Latham from Alston & Bird in New York.

Freedman’s practice focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate finance. He routinely represents national banks and other institutional investors on the origination, purchase, sale, and other disposition of senior and subordinate debt secured by complex commercial properties throughout the US. He is also well-versed in the servicing and workout of distressed and nonperforming commercial real estate loans.

Spears represents clients across multiple transactions including the origination of CMBS loans, construction loans, and mezzanine loans; secondary market transactions, including syndications, loan purchases and sales, and the negotiation of co-lender and intercreditor agreements; and workouts.

“David and John are extremely knowledgeable real estate finance lawyers, and we are delighted to welcome them to the firm,” said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins’ New York office. “Their work helping clients achieve their commercial real estate finance goals here, and across the US will be a distinct asset.”

“With his entrepreneurial mindset and focus on complex commercial real estate financing matters, David is well-positioned to advise on large and structured financing transactions for banks, alternative lenders, mortgage REITS and other financial institutions,” said Michelle Kelban, Global Co-Chair of Latham’s Real Estate Practice. “In addition, John’s experience in multi-lender, complex capital structures will be an excellent complement to the team as clients look to take advantage of opportunities in today’s unique market environment. I am pleased to welcome them both to the firm.”

“Latham has an established reputation as a top firm for real estate transactions that involve complex financing arrangements,” said Freedman. “I’m thrilled to be part of a team that offers high-quality, innovative, and creative counsel to clients on some of their most interesting transactions.”

“I was drawn to Latham because of its strong real estate platform and collaborative culture,” said Spears. “I’m excited to be part of a team that handles the most cutting-edge real estate deals.”

Freedman received his JD from New York University and his AB from the University of Chicago. Spears received his JD from New York University and a BBA magna cum laude in finance from the University of Georgia. 

Source:  www.lw.com