Duval & Stachenfeld Taps Kim Le and Christopher Gorman to Chair Industry-Leading Real Estate Law Practice Group
Duval & Stachenfeld LLP ("D&S") announced that Kim Le and Christopher Gorman have been named co-chairs of the firm's real estate practice group, one of the largest real estate law practices in New York City.
Two veterans in the real estate industry, Le and Gorman both joined D&S as associates in 2004. In the 17 years since, they have each become highly sought-after attorneys, who have consistently leveraged their legal acumen and business savvy to craft creative solutions for their clients. Over the course of their respective careers, each has served as legal counsel on billions of dollars of complex real estate transactions, including platform creation, portfolio acquisitions, multi-layered financings, and complex joint-venture equity partnerships.
For D&S, this announcement marks a natural progression in the leadership of the real estate practice and the firm more broadly. In 2018, the real estate practice's longtime chair, Terri Adler, was named the firm's managing partner. Now, Adler is handing the day-to-day reins of the real estate practice to Le and Gorman as she continues in her role as managing partner.
"We take great pride in being a firm that provides a platform on which our attorneys and employees can craft their careers and achieve their individual goals. Of course, externally our focus is providing great legal service to our real estate clients and helping them grow their businesses, but internally our goal is to nurture and support career growth. This transition underscores the success we have had in this regard," said Adler. "From the moment Kim and Chris joined the firm, they have been two of the greatest contributors to our culture. They both have incredible leadership skills, not just IQ but EQ, and are admired and respected both internally and externally by our clients. With Kim and Chris at the helm, our real estate group is equipped to meet the rapidly changing needs of our attorneys and our clients during these uncertain times."
Bruce Stachenfeld, founder and chairman of the Firm said, "When I started the Firm 24 years ago, I could have only dreamed that we would be in the position we are today as an industry leader in real estate. Seeing such talent like Chris and Kim rise up through the ranks of the Firm and flourish into the attorneys and leaders they are today is just about the best feeling any founder could ever have."
Le's experience spans thousands of complex joint venture transactions across all property types and all clients types, from operating partners and developers to public companies, sovereign wealth funds, and funds. In addition, to joint ventures, Le focuses on complex real estate transactions involving cross-border issues, ground leases, preferred equity, and recapitalizations. In addition to her client-facing roles, Le is also a member of the firm's Management Committee.
"Since joining D&S 17 years ago, I've seen the firm grow from a boutique shop to an industry powerhouse that works on marquee transactions, and I'm very excited to step into this leadership position and continue our upward trajectory," said Le. "Under Terri and our chairman, Bruce Stachenfeld, our practice has always specialized in finding the most innovative approaches to meet client needs, and we will continue to embody that creative ethos in the years ahead. I look forward to working with Chris and the rest of firm leadership to bolster D&S' position within the New York market and across the country."
Gorman has earned a reputation as a highly-skilled corporate real estate and joint venture attorney. He has established himself as a powerhouse in the formation of real estate platforms in addition to his in-depth experience in acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, financings, restructurings, and developments in all real estate asset classes. Gorman specializes in adding value and insight to his clients' business objectives by drawing on his experience and industry knowledge to provide invaluable recommendations and advice on even the most complex transactions. Gorman's clients include major financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, developers, and funds.
"In this dynamic environment, it's extremely exciting to assume this new role alongside Kim, leading our partners and associates as they help clients navigate these uncharted waters," said Gorman. "With talented attorneys specializing in every aspect of real estate, we are uniquely positioned to find solutions for real estate developers, investors and lenders, and I'm proud to work with Kim on steering the firm's real estate strategy in the years ahead."
About Duval & Stachenfeld LLP
Duval & Stachenfeld ("D&S") is one of the largest real estate-focused law firm in New York City and one of the city's largest real estate legal teams. Since its inception 24 years ago, D&S has provided clients with a "Pure Play" in high-quality real estate law, headlined by the Real Estate Practice Group, which has distinguished itself with its focus on complex, sophisticated transactional work. For more information, please visit www.dsllp.com.
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