The attorneys of Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP are experienced in handling a broad range of real estate transactions. They have represented both institutional lenders and borrowers in complex real estate financings; ground lessors in development projects; purchasers and sellers of interests in real estate; and tenants and subtenants in lease and sublease negotiations. They are also experienced in guiding their clients through all phases of the construction process and in advising their clients as to environmental and land use issues. The Firm’s real estate practice includes the representation of both governmental entities and private sector clients, including not-for-profit organizations.

Our attorneys have represented institutional lenders and credit enhancers, as well as borrowers and ground lessors, in connection with construction and permanent financings secured by mortgages on all kinds of revenue-generating properties, including manufacturing facilities, shopping centers, multi-family residential projects, hotels and office buildings. In many cases, these have been very large loans involving complex arrangements governing the amount and timing of principal advances, multiple borrower elections with respect to the periodic fixing of interest rates and the use of interest rate swaps or caps to reduce exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We are particularly well-schooled in the requisites of leasehold financings, having participated as lender’s counsel or otherwise in many development projects involving construction on leased land.

In addition to financing work, the Firm's real estate practice includes conveyancing and leasing transactions, the negotiation and drafting of design, construction and management agreements, and advising clients with respect to zoning matters. Unlike their counterparts at most other law firms, Hawkins’s real estate attorneys specialize in representing parties to large development projects in which, pursuant to long-term ground leases or otherwise, the risks and rewards of ownership are shared among for-profit developers and lenders and governmental or other not-for-profit institutions. The Firm's attorneys have particular expertise in the acquisition and development of real estate by not-for-profit organizations through the use of tax-exempt financing. The Firm’s experience in this area includes representing not-for-profit organizations, issuers of tax-exempt debt, and bond underwriters, placement agents and credit enhancers.