Alston & Bird has strengthened and expanded its Real Estate Finance & Investment Group with the addition of partners Eric Berardi in Atlanta and Gene Caiola in New York. Both partners advise clients on structuring and documentation of the entire capital stack for commercial real estate projects nationwide.
“The addition of Eric and Gene presents an opportunity to enhance our real estate finance and servicing offerings, and to bring additional depth and vitality to our practice,” said Jason Howard, partner and co-chair of Alston & Bird’s Real Estate Finance & Investment Group. “Eric and Gene are go-to resources for market-leading players in real estate investment and capital markets. We believe our platform will allow them to grow the relationships they’ve developed over the years.”
Joining from Kilpatrick Townsend, Berardi and Caiola represent financial institutions, debt funds, and loan servicers in the origination, acquisition, modification, and enforcement of performing and distressed commercial real estate loans. In addition to their experience with foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, and receivership remedies, they are well versed on the equity side; both regularly advise clients on the acquisition, management, leasing, and disposition of hotel, office, retail, industrial, and multifamily housing properties across the nation.
“The Alston & Bird platform, with a national reputation for both originating and servicing commercial real estate loans for institutional lenders and servicers, will be an immense asset to our clients,” said Berardi. “Joining forces will also open doors to exciting and challenging new matters, particularly with respect to loans originated by insurance companies.”
“We look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues, many of whom are deeply entrenched in the real estate investment and loan origination sectors,” added Caiola. “Our shared commitment to technical rigor and excellent service will benefit all our clients.”
The arrival of Berardi and Caiola continues the momentum generated by the Real Estate Finance & Investment Group through the additions of partners Lauren Scarantino in New York and Stephen D. Peterson in Atlanta, as well as the growth of the New York office through the additions of Eric Wise and Matthew Kelsey to the Financial Reorganization & Restructuring Team.
Situated at the intersection of capital flows and real property, Alston & Bird’s Real Estate Finance & Investment Group advises leading commercial and investment banks, institutional investors, and developers on their deals from conception to completion. Located in offices across the country, the interdisciplinary group integrates seamlessly with the firm’s seasoned corporate, securities, finance, and tax attorneys to resolve clients’ most complex and challenging matters.