Real Estate

We represent both sponsors and capital partners from formation to exit in an array of real estate joint venture arrangements, ranging from structuring new companies and co-GP arrangements to strategic and narrower contractual alliances.  Our interdisciplinary and cross-border practice allows us to provide clients with the necessary tax, securities, fund formation and regulatory insights necessary to create and implement venture agreements for some of the nation’s most complex real estate transactions.

Having a dedicated team for the entire development process means greater efficiency and seamless, effective transitions from one stage of project development to another.  Choate’s real estate team covers the entire life cycle of a real estate development, including assisting with diligence on potential sites, acquisition, zoning and permitting, construction financing, condominium creation, leasing, permanent financing, and disposition.  Our team is equipped to handle a wide variety of projects, and has experience with every asset class.  We draw on our extensive local and national contacts in the development community to provide results for our clients.

Choate’s real estate team provides comprehensive services in a variety of financing transactions involving real property.  We assist borrowers, lenders and investors in structuring, negotiating and managing debt and equity investments, including the buying and selling of mortgage loans and mortgage loan portfolios.  In addition to a broad array of borrowers, we have represented banks, insurance companies, pension funds, conduit lenders, finance companies and mortgage companies in their real estate finance matters, including collateral in all asset classes, notably office, retail, industrial, multifamily, hospitality, entertainment and sports arenas and senior living.

Our real estate practice works on an interdisciplinary basis with our nationally-recognized Finance and Restructuring team to advise lenders, investors, owners and developers on distressed real estate transactions, including acquisitions and sales, loan workouts and bankruptcy and restructuring strategies. Our practice is national and involves virtually every asset class.

From major corporate headquarters leases to retail portfolios and major industrial assets, we represent both landlords and tenants in lease transactions of virtually every type and nature throughout the U.S.  Our leasing team has substantial experience with leases of corporate campuses, lab spaces, hospitals and other healthcare centers, retail, sports facilities, office parks, industrial complexes, and data centers.  Our practice in this area includes, among other transactions, complex build-to-suit arrangements, sale-leasebacks and ground leases. 

Our real estate practice group also has industry-leading experience buying and selling lease portfolios and assisting all leasing aspects of M&A transactions.

Choate’s environmental and land use specialists are intimately involved in complex financing and acquisition transactions, governmental enforcement actions, litigation, administrative proceedings, regulatory compliance, brownfields redevelopment, environmental diligence, hazardous waste site cleanup, landuse restrictions, pollution insurance, environmental audits, and zoning and permitting matters. Our areas of expertise include hazardous waste, solid waste, air emissions, wastewater discharge, vapor intrusion, toxic chemicals, mold, asbestos, lead paint, transportation, zoning, tidelands, wetlands, endangered species, environmental policy review, and land protection.

The Choate real estate team works closely with U.S.-based and global clients as they face the challenges of adapting their buildings and leased spaces to the demands of the ever-evolving life sciences and biotechnology industry. We help owners and end users navigate the wide range of options available, from conducting lease negotiations on office, laboratory, and hybrid spaces to advising on development, design, construction contracts, and environmental permits. We provide counsel on temporary occupancy and build-to-suit leases, while also delivering practical guidance on financing-related advice. Our breadth and depth of experience in the market, as well as our deep understanding of the particular needs of life sciences and biotech companies, ensures that our clients are positioned to address any needs related to their physical space and its financing as they arise. In addition, the Choate team is experienced in negotiating the unique issues that need to be addressed in connection with life science and biotechnology space, including those involving hazardous materials, venting, and requirements for non-standard building services and utilities.