America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2004-2005: Real Estate

Chambers & Partners has compiled their 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' 2004-2005 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: 3

The Firm: Sources commended this real estate group for its high-quality attorneys, who display "integrity" in their approach to negotiations. The group's clear focus lies in the private equity arena, and with complex, highly structured transactions. The group also advises on large portfolio transactions made by multiple investors, and the multi-investor funds. For instance the group has handled a $500 million portfolio sale for a REIT.

The Lawyers: Experienced Stephen Tomlinson was commended by clients for "reaching satisfactory resolutions in a quick and meaningful way." His practice centers on real estate private equity work. He advised Starwood Hotels in its efforts to acquire the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Texas, a transaction worth $600 million. Additionally, he was involved in Conseco's efforts to liquidate its investment in the General Motors Building in New York.

The Clients: Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors; CenterPoint Properties Trust; Jones Lang LaSalle; Principal Enterprise Finance and United Airlines.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers & Partners: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2004-2005