Chris M. Smith joins DLA Piper's Real Estate practice in New York

DLA Piper announced today that Chris M. Smith has joined the firm's Real Estate practice as a partner in New York. He will serve as co-chair of the New York Real Estate practice.

Smith's practice includes all aspects of real estate, including joint ventures, funds, financing, direct investments, development and acquisitions and dispositions, both nationally and internationally. His diverse clients include banks, institutional investors, developers and individuals in leasing, renovations and condominium development of commercial office space and mixed use products, as well as real estate foreclosures and bankruptcies. His experience includes every major type of real estate product from residential developments to office buildings, shopping centers and hotels, public/private developments and complex ownership leasing structures.

"Chris is a globally recognized and highly regarded lawyer, and his decades of experience handling complex, high-profile real estate matters will strengthen our capabilities immeasurably as we continue to grow our real estate group in New York," said John Sullivan, chair of DLA Piper's US Real Estate practice.

Smith has consistently merited accolades from Chambers, Who's Who and Euromoney, has been recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, and was named Lawyer of the Year by NY Lawyers Alliance for his pro bono work. He is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, the Real Estate Board of New York, the Urban Land Institute and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Smith is an adjunct professor at St. John's University School of Law, and he is sought as a trustee on numerous boards.

"We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the firm," said Eugene Pinover, co-chair of the firm's New York Real Estate practice. "His reputation in the New York legal and business communities as a leading real estate lawyer is unparalleled, and he brings a level of knowledge and insight, particularly in New York, that will be highly valuable to our clients."

"In DLA Piper I found an extraordinary global platform and a strong New York real estate practice that is an excellent pairing, which I look forward to working with and growing. I am excited about the limitless opportunity," Smith said.

Smith, who joins from Shearman & Sterling LLP, received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.S. from Rutgers University.