Areas Of Practice
Banking and Loan Origination; Foreclosure and Work Outs
Donovan LLP represents a large number of banks and financial institutions in connection with commercial mortgage loan origination, foreclosure and workouts, trade finance and general banking matters with respect to commercial loans, multifamily loans, hotel loans, building and construction loans, and cooperative loans. The core of the firm, since its inception, has always been representing commercial real estate lenders in connection with the origination of commercial real estate mortgage loans, as well as the workout and/or foreclosure of distressed loans. The firm was started in 1994, during the midst of the last major real estate downturn, and, accordingly, a substantial portion of the firm’s practice related to handling loan workouts and restructurings, foreclosures and other enforcement proceedings, transfers by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure and other similar matters, as well as the sale of notes, foreclosure judgments, bank-owned real estate and the like.
Commercial Real Estate
Donovan LLP is experienced in most areas of commercial real estate law, and has handled a large number of commercial real estate transactions in New York and throughout the United States. The firm's practice includes the following types of transactions: sale and purchase of office buildings, apartment complexes, apartment buildings, retail and commercial condominiums, retail and commercial cooperative units, shopping centers, hospitals, churches and synagogues, industrial buildings, hotels and development sites. The firm also handles a large number of leasing transactions, including ground leases, retail leases, office leases, health club leases and sublease and license agreements. Recent transactions of note include the purchase of a 49% interest in Worldwide Plaza for a transaction value in excess of $1B and the purchase and subsequent redevelopment/conversion of The Apthorp Building in Manhattan for a price in excess of $400M.
Residential Real Estate
Donovan LLP is active in the representation of Purchasers and Sellers in connection with residential real estate transactions in New York City and the surrounding Counties of New York State. The firm has developed a strong reputation for representing its clients effectively and efficiently in such transactions.
Development
Donovan LLP practice handles a full range of development projects, including houses of worship, schools, museums, office buildings, residential buildings, hotels and shopping centers, bringing foresight and leadership to the planning and execution of each transaction. The firm is able to draw on the depth and breadth of our experience to formulate the relevant issues and coordinate the client’s overall strategy.
The firm advises on the negotiation of joint ventures and other investment structures, the implementation of development and redevelopment schemes, financing and refinancing, the procurement of entitlements, architectural and construction documentation, and property leasing, operation and management.
Hospitality and Fitness
Donovan, LLP provides comprehensive and extensive legal and business experience in the hospitality and fitness industry that is as varied as the issues facing the businesses themselves. Our clients include some of the most dynamic and exciting participants in the Hospitality and Fitness industries, including the largest health club operator in the Northeast United States, and one of the fastest growing hospitality and restaurant groups in the United States.
The firm advises developers, owners, operators and managers of restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and health clubs on the many aspects of their involvement in the hospitality and fitness industry. The firm has experience working with major hotel and restaurant companies in all major metropolitan areas in the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami, as well as international locations, such as London and the Turk & Caicos Islands.
The firm provides advice concerning all aspects of developing Hospitality and Fitness businesses, including the negotiation of management agreements, food & beverage service agreements, license agreements and technical service agreements, the sale and purchase of property assets, structuring of complex transactions involving joint ventures, the creation of subsidiary entities for the ownership or development, and the eventual sale of the company.