Leading Real Estate Finance Lawyers Joseph Philip Forte and Barbara J. Shachnow Join Kelley Drye

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is pleased to announce that Joseph Philip Forte and Barbara J. Shachnow have joined the firm as partners in the Real Estate Practice Group. Mr. Forte and Ms. Shachnow focus their practices on commercial real estate finance representing portfolio lenders, CMBS lenders, banks, equity funds and mortgage loan servicers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe and Barbara to Kelley Drye.  Joe has consistently been recognized as a trusted innovator in the real estate finance industry who helps his clients anticipate and prepare for change in the industry," said Paul A. Keenan, co-chair of Kelley Drye's Real Estate Practice Group.  "Barbara, likewise brings a layer of acuity and depth that will enhance the existing finance side of our Real Estate Practice Group."

Mr. Forte is one of the most renowned lawyers in real estate finance with unparalleled breadth and depth across the industry, having been at the forefront of many major innovations in the real estate finance industry for over 40 years.  Since 2004, Mr. Forte has been highlighted by Chambers USA for his real estate practice and recognized annually by The International Who's Who of Real Estate Lawyers as one of the top 10 most highly regarded lawyers.  In 2013, he was one of the only two attorneys recognized among 30 executives in Commercial Property Executives' "Most influential People in Real Estate" feature celebrating those central to driving growth and innovation in the commercial real estate recovery.  Mr. Forte has substantial experience in commercial real estate, capital markets and finance with a particular emphasis on the origination, structuring, workout and enforcement of commercial mortgage loans for portfolios, syndication and securitization.  He joins Kelley Drye from DLA Piper.

Mr. Forte said, "Kelley Drye's Real Estate Practice Group offers an extraordinary team of attorneys in the key real estate markets across the US.  I have always been impressed with the firm's creativity and commitment to its clients and its breadth of experience.  I'm pleased to join such a strong team."

Ms. Shachnow has 30 years of experience in all aspects of commercial real estate practice, with particular emphasis on real estate structured finance, mortgage and mezzanine lending preferred equity investments and loan workouts.  She represents investment banks, commercial banks, private equity funds, insurance companies and other institutional lenders, as well as institutional real estate investors and developers, in the acquisition, disposition and financing of, and investment in, commercial real estate in all asset classes.  Ms. Shachnow also joins Kelley Drye from DLA Piper.

"I am delighted to join Kelley Drye," said Ms. Shachnow. "The firm's real estate practice has a top-notch reputation and I look forward to collaborating with the team and contributing to the firm's continued success."

Michelle J. Foster of The Foster Group assisted in the recruitment of Mr. Forte and Ms. Shachnow. 

Kelley Drye's Real Estate Practice Group was recognized as one of the country's Leading Real Estate Practices by U.S. News and Best Lawyers in 2016.  The group represents clients across a wide range of real estate and capital markets transactions throughout the United States, including acquisitions and sales, construction and permanent mortgage and mezzanine financing, preferred equity investments, fund formation and investments, "side car" investments, joint ventures, leasing and sale-leaseback transactions, as well as development, construction and real estate management.

About Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an international law firm founded in 1836 with more than 300 lawyers and other professionals practicing in New York, NY; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Stamford, CT; Parsippany, NJ; and Brussels, Belgium, additionally offering a full scope of legal service through our affiliate relationship with the Mumbai-based independent law firm, Fortitude Law Associates.

SOURCE Kelley Drye & Warren LLP