(July 6, 2009) – Reed Smith LLP, one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, today announced the addition of Thomas G. Maira as counsel in its Private Equity Practice, effectively immediately. With a focus on Real Estate and Real Estate Finance matters, he will be resident in the firm’s New York City office.
Mr. Maira was formerly Real Estate Counsel for the Americas for Babcock & Brown. Prior to joining that global investment bank, he was with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
“Thomas has an exceptional background in the financial and real estate sectors, including advising investment funds, investment banks, financial institutions, public and private companies, REITS, governmental agencies, and entrepreneurs in connection with private equity and real estate matters,” said Mark Pedretti, head of Reed Smith’s Private Equity Group. “In addition, his current and extensive experience in workouts, restructuring, and distressed acquisitions and dispositions is an in-demand area right now, and his arrival gives our practice additional depth that will benefit many clients.”
Mr. Maira’s experience extends to private equity joint ventures, including restructuring, workouts, partner/member disputes, un-winds, and recapitalizations, as well as formation and controlling-party and preferred equity investments with respect to real estate portfolios, platforms, operating companies and assets.
In the area of real estate finance, Mr. Maira’s experience includes representing lenders and borrowers in mortgage, CMBS, bridge and mezzanine loans, workouts and restructurings, distressed loan sales and acquisitions, and refinancing. He also has extensive experience representing clients in real estate development, office and retail leasing, and asset management.
“In these uncertain economic times, Thomas is well-positioned to offer advice, strategy and support to clients who need experienced counsel for their private equity and real estate transactions,” said Bob Nicholas, Reed Smith’s New York City Managing Partner.
“Reed Smith focuses on building and sustaining long-term relationships,” Mr. Maira said. “In the private equity and real estate arenas, particularly in the current environment, it is very important that your clients know that you are committed to them in both good and bad times. That’s the reputation Reed Smith has built, and I am very happy to become a part of that.”
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global law firm with nearly 1,700 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high-stakes disputes; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com
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