Department profile
Latham & Watkins LLP

Real Estate

USA Guide 2026 : Illinois

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Latham & Watkins LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Illinois

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Latham & Watkins LLP is a leading real estate practice with vast expertise advising investors, lenders and operators on acquisitions, finance and restructuring matters. The team is accomplished at handling matters involving industrial, retail and hospitality property. The firm's attorneys have noteworthy experience undertaking complex joint venture, portfolio and financing transactions. Its expertise covers REIT formation.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins advised Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a global hospitality leader on an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Playa Hotels & Resorts at a value of $4.6 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at Latham & Watkins are very practical and respected in this field.

    Real Estate respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gary Axelrod
    Gary Axelrod

    Gary Axelrod

    Gary Axelrod advises clients including developers, private equity sponsors and institutional owners on a broad spectrum of real estate transactions, with particular strength in complex acquisitions, dispositions and financings. He is especially well regarded for his work on hotel and hospitality matters, particularly those with complex cross-border elements.

    • Gary Axelrod has a broad knowledge base and he can see a wide range of issues.

      Real Estate respondentUSA

    • Gary is one of the smartest people when it comes to what is going on in the market.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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  • Robert L Fernandez
    Robert L Fernandez

    Robert L Fernandez

    Robert Fernandez brings deep transactional experience to his work for real estate investors. He routinely advises on joint ventures.

    • Robert is excellent at identifying issues, thinking about the big picture and all the little issues that could come up in that big picture.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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  • Rachel Bates
    Rachel Bates

    Rachel Bates

    Rachel Bates represents hospitality sector clients, REITs and other real estate investors in a range of matters including financings, sales and acquisitions.

    • Rachel is always thinking about our values and goals and conducts herself as a team player as if she is a part of the business.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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  • Michael Rechtin
    Michael Rechtin

    Michael Rechtin

    Michael Rechtin has carved out a well-regarded niche practice in data center-related acquisitions, dispositions and lease negotiations.

    • Michael Rechtin is a fabulous attorney at the forefront of data center work.

      Real Estate respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Latham & Watkins LLP (4)

Illinois

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