What real estate matters do I handle?

• Leasing transactions:
  • Shopping Centers: I have represented numerous retailers such as Naturalizer, Hallmark Cards, Casual Corner, Handyman Hardware, Auntie Annes and United Sporting Goods, leasing from 500 square feet to over 40,000 square feet in enclosed regional shopping centers, lifestyle entertainments centers, strip centers and freestanding locations throughout the country.
  • Office Buildings: Representing landlords and tenants in office leases in all fifty states is a major part of my practice. Spaces are typically 10,000 square feet or less.
  • Warehouses and Industrial Buildings: I represent an S & P 500 company, handling most of the legal work associated with its leasing transactions for over 700 locations across the country.
• Purchases and Sales of Commercial Properties: I represent purchasers and sellers of commercial properties in the Greater St. Louis area. Most of the transactions I handle are in the $250,000 to $2,000,000 range.
• Purchases and Sales of Residential Properties: In the Greater St. Louis area most residential real estate transactions are handled by licensed real estate brokers without assistance of an attorney. However, when you are not represented by a real estate broker, when the purchase involves new construction or a very expensive home, or when problems arise, hiring an attorney may be advisable. I am the chairman of the Bar Association of St. Louis residential real estate forms committee and have helped develop the proper procedures for residential real estate transactions in the St. Louis area.
• Creating legal entities to acquire and hold real estate: Limited liability companies have become the preferred method of holding real estate. I can assist you in establishing a limited liability company for one person or multi-person ownership.
• Conservation Easements: Conservation Easements are used to protect properties that have unique natural or scenic qualities and to provide the property owner with a tax deduction. My close association with two land trusts active in Missouri allows me to work with clients to create conservation easements which meet IRS requirements.
• Construction Escrows: Tracking construction payments to make sure subcontractors and suppliers are paid is difficult to do, often resulting in liens being filed against property. I can assist you in setting up construction escrows with major title companies to make sure that funds are properly paid to all parties.
• Construction Contracts: I have many years experience using AIA construction contracts on small to medium sized construction projects.
• Zoning and Land Use Matters: I can provide you assistance reviewing local municipal codes and obtaining special permits or variances if required.
• Other Legal Issues: If you have other real estate needs, I will advise you of my experience in those areas and whether I can help you. If I cannot be of assistance, I will refer you to another St. Louis attorney who can.