Business Law
Commercial Real Estate
The Commercial Real Estate practice area of our law firm covers the legal aspects of buying, selling, leasing, and developing commercial properties. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in representing clients in a variety of commercial real estate transactions, from the purchase and sale of large commercial properties to the negotiation of leases for retail, office, and industrial spaces. We also advise clients on the various legal requirements for commercial real estate development projects, including zoning regulations, environmental laws, and construction contracts.
Core Practice Areas
Commercial Real Estate Purchases and Sales
A purchase and sale can involve various types of commercial properties, including commercial or vacant properties, income-producing properties with leases and tenants, and properties with commercial, investment, or industrial applications. The commercial real estate purchase and sale transaction involves the transfer of ownership of commercial property, including due diligence, price negotiations, purchase agreement drafting, and closing the transaction.
Our commercial real estate purchase and sale practice provides legal services to clients seeking to acquire or dispose of commercial properties. We have experience representing clients in a wide range of transactions, including those involving commercial or vacant properties, income-producing properties with leases and tenants, and properties with commercial, investment, or industrial applications.
Our services in this area typically include:
- Conducting due diligence, which involves reviewing and analyzing relevant documents and information about the property, such as surveys, title reports, environmental assessments, and zoning and land use restrictions.
- Advising clients on pricing and negotiating the purchase agreement, including price, payment terms, and conditions of the sale, such as contingencies for financing and inspections.
- Drafting and reviewing purchase and sale agreements, which set out the terms and conditions of the transaction, including the rights and obligations of the parties, representations and warranties, and closing conditions.
- Coordinating and facilitating the closing of the transaction, which involves the exchange of documents and funds, and the transfer of ownership of the property.
We work closely with our clients throughout the transaction to ensure that their interests are protected and that the transaction is completed efficiently and effectively.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Commercial real estate loans deal with the negotiation and execution of the loan between a lender and a borrower, with the loan being typically secured by a mortgage or charge on the commercial real property.
Our commercial real estate practice focuses on representing clients in a wide range of loan transactions related to commercial real estate, including:
- Acquisition financing: We assist clients in securing financing for the purchase of commercial real estate properties, including retail centers, office buildings, and multifamily residential buildings.
- Construction financing: We help clients secure financing for new construction, renovation, and redevelopment projects, including ground-up developments, tenant improvements, and renovations.
- Refinancing: We advise clients on options for refinancing existing loans, taking into account market conditions and the specific needs and goals of each client.
- Loan modifications and workouts: We assist clients in negotiating with lenders to modify loan terms or work out a distressed loan, and can help clients explore options for bankruptcy or other debt restructuring.
Our services in these areas include advising clients on loan structures, assisting with due diligence, drafting and negotiating loan agreements and related documents, working with lenders to obtain necessary consents and approvals, and advising on compliance with applicable laws and regulations. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their financing goals in a timely and efficient manner, while also protecting their interests and minimizing their risks.
Lease Agreements
Our commercial real estate practice offers a comprehensive range of legal services related to commercial lease agreements. We assist clients in drafting, advising on, and negotiating leases or offers to lease for commercial spaces, including industrial, office, or retail properties. We also provide legal guidance on subleasing and/or assigning commercial leases.
Commercial lease agreements involve various legal issues that our team is equipped to handle, such as rent and security deposits, lease terms, permitted uses, maintenance and repair obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms. We have extensive experience negotiating and drafting lease agreements that protect our clients’ interests while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Our practice covers a wide range of commercial lease agreements, including ground leases, industrial or warehouse leases, office leases, and retail leases. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and goals, and tailor our legal services accordingly.
In addition to drafting and negotiating lease agreements, we provide legal counsel on issues that arise during the lease term, such as lease renewals, amendments, and terminations. Our team also assists clients in resolving disputes that may arise between landlords and tenants, including breach of lease agreements, eviction proceedings, and other legal proceedings. In other words, we don’t just assist in the document drafting and negotiation stage; we litigate if necessary.
Commercial Real Estate Development
Our commercial real estate practice offers a wide range of services to clients engaged in developing commercial real estate projects. This includes assisting clients in the following areas:
Location scouting and preliminary development considerations: We work with clients to evaluate various locations for their development projects and assess potential zoning and land use restrictions, environmental concerns, and other issues that could impact the project.
Identifying investors and considerations for forming a joint venture or other investment entity: We assist clients in identifying potential investors or partners for their projects, and help structure joint ventures or other investment entities that meet the needs of the parties involved.
Negotiating a development agreement: We help clients negotiate and prepare development agreements that define the responsibilities and obligations of the parties involved in the development process.
Negotiating a term sheet, letter of intent (LOI), or option to purchase agreement for the purchase of the land: We assist clients in negotiating and preparing term sheets, letters of intent, or option to purchase agreements for the purchase of the land on which the development project will be built.
Drafting and negotiating the purchase and sale agreement: We prepare and negotiate purchase and sale agreements that provide for the transfer of the land to our clients.
Inspecting the property and conducting necessary due diligence: We conduct thorough inspections of the property and perform due diligence to uncover any legal issues or environmental concerns that could impact the development process.
Hiring a general contractor or construction manager and a design team, and the timing of construction and architecture agreements: We assist clients in hiring a general contractor or construction manager and a design team, and advise on the timing of construction and architecture agreements to ensure that the development project stays on schedule.
Securing construction financing: We help clients secure financing for their development projects, including construction loans, bridge financing, and other forms of debt and equity financing.
Working through the development and approval process, including land use, zoning, and regulatory compliance: We work with clients to navigate the complex web of land use, zoning, and regulatory requirements that govern the development process, and help ensure that the project complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
Closing the purchase of the land and loan transactions: We assist clients in closing the purchase of the land and loan transactions, and help ensure that all legal requirements are met to complete the transaction.
