North America - United States • Real estate
Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP assists a broad set of domestic and international groups including developers, private equity trusts, banks, REITs and asset management companies on developments and redevelopments encompassing industrial, retail, residential, and office space, among others. In addition to the Florida and New York markets, the firm also has a footprint in the Chicago, California, and Dallas real estate markets, advising on a multitude of transactions, sales and leasebacks, and land transactions as well as distressed situations and loan recovery. The practice also possesses a number of growing sub-groups, including those in the areas of energy and infrastructure, private equity, and data centers and digital infrastructure. Practice chair and transaction expert Eric Rapkin leads the national team, himself based at Florida’s Fort Lauderdale. The department’s co-deputy chairs are Chicago-based Lawrence Eiben, who advises REITs, funds, developers, and joint ventures on a range of transactions, and Denver’s Allison Nelson, noted for her transaction, lease work and M&A experience, especially in the healthcare space.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I've really enjoyed working with Paul Russo. He's very quick to respond via email or phone and is thoughtful in his responses without being overly pushy or unrealistic. We've been working together long enough now that he knows our business and knows what will work for us and what won't, which he takes into consideration when reviewing documents.’
‘This practice has variety of capabilities located in multiple locations across the US. With great teamwork and collaboration among the practice, we could complete the sale transaction successfully without delay.’
‘Akerman team lead by Mr. Lawrence Eiben, Co-Deputy Chair at Real Estate Practice Group were very diligent and reliable. Mr. Eiben responded our questions and inquiries so quickly and made updates in a timely manner which was very helpful for us.’
'Marc Heller always makes himself available and provides very savvy, sound advice. He has a reasonable approach to issues and is a problem solver.'
Key clients
- U.S. Bank, National Association
- Ag-Pro
- Gumenick Properties
- Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC
Work highlights
- Represented Gumenick Properties in the nearly $300 million sale of Southgate Towers and The Shoppes at West Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida
- Represented U.S. Bank in connection with $250 million in loan originations for their entity loan program for private bank customers nationally.
- Advised Ag-Pro in connection with a complex sale-leaseback transaction that involved more than 100 properties in multiple tranches with Angelo, Gordon & Co.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Eric D. Rapkin, Lawrence A. Eiben, Allison Nelson