The real estate finance practice at Paul Hastings LLP is headed up in New York by financing expert Rick Allendorf who is noted for his focus on debt finance. He is known for acting on behalf of lenders on origination loans for securitization against commercial real estate projects. The team has experience in a wide range of real estate finance matters from securitizations, origination of loans, mortgage and mezzanine loans, to workouts and other distress-related real estate financing. The firm excels in assisting and advising on projects such as mortgage financing of residential New York properties. Key team members include Lisa Chaney who excels in advising banks as administrative agents and buyers in commercial real estate financings, John Cahill advises on both domestic and cross-border transactions, and Eric Schwitzer assists clients with commercial loans and restructurings. Michael Berman is the key contact for private equity houses. Financing expert David Broderick joined the team from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in March 2024. All aforementioned lawyers are based in New York.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The real estate finance practice has deep expertise representing different kinds of lenders across the entire capital stack so they should be a go to firm for any lender in the market. The partners in the group are experts and have been involved in very high profile matters so they can take on any transaction no matter the complexity. The partners are excellent mentors to the associates and foster an environment of development amongst the associates.'
  • 'What has always struck me is the availability and creativity of the partners - you know that when you work with them they will be attentive to your needs and will help deliver solutions to any problem so that you can get your transactions closed timely and with great satisfaction to all parties involved. The people that really stand out to me are Rick Allendorf and Michael Berman.'
  • 'John Cahill is an outstanding legal mind who also has a very strong grasp on what matters from a business perspective. He is able to advance concepts that are important to us as a client and helps us achieve superior outcomes in our loan financing structures.'

Key clients

  • Oaktree Capital Management
  • Brookfield
  • Angelo Gordon
  • KKR
  • CIM
  • Barclays
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Nuveen
  • Apollo
  • Sumitomo Banking
  • Capital One
  • Rialto Capital
  • Starwood Capital
  • Barings
  • Related Fund Management
  • Mizuho Americas
  • PIMCO
  • California Bank & Trust
  • Granite Point
  • Galaxy Realty Capital
  • Aetos Capital
  • ARCH Capital Management

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rick Allendorf

Other key lawyers

Lisa Chaney, John Cahill, Eric Schwitzer, Michael Berman, Pablo Clarke, David Broderick