Litigation can arise in any phase of a real estate project—from acquisition and financing to development and construction to management and leasing. Recently recognized as the 2013 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Law Firm of the Year” for Litigation – Real Estate, Katten’s national Real Estate Litigation Practice has distinguished itself in all aspects of the field through its high-profile, high-value work. Blending a broad knowledge of real estate law and business practice with well-honed skills in litigation and alternative dispute resolution, we have been retained by many of the nation’s leading lenders, developers and institutional property owners.
Our Real Estate Litigation team loves a good challenge—when faced with complications, we thrive. We develop the deep institutional knowledge of your business needed to stay in front of litigation challenges and keep critical projects on track.
Lenders benefit from our extensive litigation experience with borrowers over loan commitments, loan defaults and associated debt and collateral recovery; with secured and mezzanine lenders over priority and intercreditor obligations; and with mechanic lienors over priority rights to the real property and loan proceeds.
National property owners and real estate management companies responsible for prominent shopping centers and office and industrial buildings frequently turn to us to resolve disputes with retail and commercial tenants over unpaid rent, repair and restoration obligations, purchase and sale agreements, and rights of first refusal.
Our experience litigating contract disputes, construction claims and zoning disputes allows us to help owners, developers, general contractors, construction managers and trade contractors effectively manage challenges related to the development and construction of retail properties, condominiums, office buildings, hotels and industrial properties.
We also represent real estate investors in matters involving issues of control and distribution of funds; disputes involving real estate partnerships and limited liability companies, closely held and family corporations; and loan participations and securitized loan pools.