Our real estate industry clients see us as more than just their lawyers—we’re business counselors, risk managers, transactional advisors, and growth strategists.
After 60+ years of partnering with Ohio’s most recognizable lenders and real estate developers, we know that a fully integrated partnership is the only way to build something special. This relationship-based approach to work is the reason our firm is ranked as a “Tier 1” firm in Columbus for issues involving real estate law by U.S. News and World Report and The Best Lawyers in America. And Chambers USA, one of the most respected client-review services in the industry, notes that our lawyers comprise "a sought-after team particularly active in the Columbus market, with a focus on providing counsel to heavyweight developers."
Our firm’s real estate attorneys combine in-depth knowledge of local and regional markets with a broad understanding of the legal, regulatory, and economic issues affecting our clients. But we also understand the importance of responsiveness, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and a relentless focus on accomplishing our clients' goals.
Our attorneys work as outside general counsel to a diverse range of commercial, mixed-use and residential developers; affordable housing developers; investors; other public and privately held businesses; lenders; and borrowers. As counsel to lenders, we represent community, regional, and national lending institutions, including community banks, national banks, and life insurance companies.
Key Areas of Focus
- Real Estate Transactions: Handling real estate transactions, including acquisitions, sales, and leases, is core to the industry. This work includes drafting and negotiating contracts, crafting purchase and sale agreements, conducting due diligence, and managing closings to ensure smooth transactions.
- Affordable Housing Development: Our real estate team maintains a focus on working with borrowers and lenders across the affordable housing ecosystem. We help these clients in securing financing through federal and state programs, such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and navigating the application and compliance processes.
- Commercial Leasing: Managing leasing issues is a core aspect of our service offering. Our experienced lawyers draft lease agreements and extensions, manage administration of lease portfolios, navigate title issues, and resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.
- Financing + Tax Incentives: Advising on financing options and tax incentives is crucial for real estate and affordable housing projects. This includes structuring deals to maximize benefits from tax credits, grants, and other financial incentives available at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Regulatory Compliance: We work with businesses and government agencies to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including compliance with the Fair Housing Act, zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations.
- Land Use + Zoning: With one of the largest real estate practices in the region, our services are comprehensive and extend to securing appropriate land use and zoning approvals for our clients. We help to navigate zoning laws, obtain variances, and address any land use disputes that may arise.
- Construction Law: Managing construction-related legal issues is vital for successful project completion. Our team is well-versed in drafting and negotiating construction contracts, handling disputes, and ensuring compliance with safety and labor regulations.
- Community Development: Supporting community development initiatives is important for creating sustainable and inclusive communities, so clients look to us for support on all aspects of projects involving mixed-use developments, public-private partnerships, and community land trusts.
- Litigation + Dispute Resolution: Real estate is wrought with complex issues and at times results in those issues being dealt with through litigation, arbitration, or mediation. Whether a client is dealing with breach of contract issues, property disputes, or problems stemming from the purchase and sale of real estate, our attorneys are here to help.
