America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2010: Real Estate

Chambers & Partners has compiled its independent and objective list of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii. This guide — which is designed to reflect market opinion — contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.

In Chambers’ 2010 review of national legal talent in the area of “Real Estate,” our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.

Chambers’ comments:

Illinois Ranking: Tier 2

The Firm: This practice has a strong corporate focus and is highlighted for its ability to handle private equity and restructuring matters at a national and international level. With nine partners and 20 associates located in Chicago, it maintains a strong local presence. The team also has expertise in acquisitions and dispositions, REITs and debt transactions.

Sources Say: “Some of the most creative attorneys in the real estate world.”

Key Individuals: Robert Buday took the lead for Centerpoint Properties Trust in the sale of around $750 million of Chicago industrial assets. Commentators call him “steady, practical and easy to work with.” Brian Davis joins the rankings this year. He is praised as “a diligent attorney who can comb through complex documents and reduce the material to easy-to-understand business points.” He recently handled a lease transaction for a 1.5 million sq ft regional distribution facility located in Columbus, Ohio, for Whirlpool. Gary Axelrod has been involved in numerous hotel and resort matters and is held in high regard by clients.