Morrison Foerster is a go-to firm for clients on commercial real estate debt transactions. The team’s expertise in large syndicated term and construction loans, with CMBS, involving mortgage debt and mezzanine loans is of particular note. The firm has become increasingly involved in advising clients on potential issues related to the current distressed real estate landscape, boasting a specialized distressed real estate team to represent clients in these transactions which include global restructurings to single-asset and portfolio workouts. Mainly assisting lenders, clientele range from banks and investment banks to mortgage REITs and debt funds. In New York Mark Edelstein acts as global real estate chair for the firm, while fellow New York- based partner Jeffrey Temple and Los Angeles-based Thomas Fileti co-head the US real estate practice. Edelstein is an expert in real estate finance, representing lenders and equity players in issues from mortgage to construction loans, and acquisitions. Investment-related finance matters are handled by Fileti who specializes in real estate finance transactions and the full gamut of credit facilities. Co-chair Temple is experienced in representing both lenders and borrowers in complex real estate transactions, and is key in representing investors in large-scale acquisitions and dispositions of US commercial assets, and in loan restructurings and workouts. Christopher Delson resides in New York, Keith Print splits his time between New York and Miami, and New York-based counsel Tushna Gamadia are also noted for their roles in commercial real estate transactions. Alfred Williams was recently promoted to partner and focuses on acquisitions, financing, and development of US real estate assets from New York.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Jeff Temple and Mark Edelstein are my go to lawyers. They have a wealth of experience and are creative in their approach to problem solving. ’
'The firm has superior knowledge of real estate finance, including recent laws and evolving trends. The firm has deep insight into emerging risks in different sectors of the real estate business. This firm is more thoughtful than peer firms in providing advice and guidance.'
'Thomas Fileti is a brilliant real estate attorney. He is at the top of the field. He has superior insight into real estate law and issues. His advice is also commercial. He is highly responsive.'

Key clients

Mori Trust
ING Capital LLC
Standard Chartered Bank
JPMorgan Chase
RH
RIDA Development
CGI Merchant Group
Clarion Partners
Société Générale
Wells Fargo Bank
Goldman Sachs / Hines Interests
CIBC

Work highlights

Represented JPMorgan Chase, as arranger and administrative agent, in connection with origination of initial $500,000,000 revolving line of credit to rental housing developer that increases via accordion arrangement to $1.25 billion.
Represented Mori Trust in its nearly $1 billion investment in the premier New York City office building known as 245 Park Avenue, consisting of a 49.9% interest in the common equity, which it acquired from SL Green at a gross asset valuation of $2 billion.
Represented JPMorgan Chase in its capacity as administrative agent and arranger for a $1.1 billion mortgage loan secured by the commercial building located at 151 West 42nd Street in New York City., consisting of a $900 million senior mortgage loan plus a $200 million upsizing.