Department profile
Venable LLP

REITs: Maryland Counsel

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Venable LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

REITs: Maryland Counsel - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Venable is an expert practice on Maryland corporate law matters with the ability to handle substantial IPOs, stock and debt offerings and M&A on behalf of market-leading traded and non-traded REITs and businesses. The firm is often called upon to advise on corporate governance concerns. It regularly provides input on developments and improvements in the state of Maryland's legislature as it pertains to REITs.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Venable acted as Maryland counsel to Lineage, Inc. in the IPO, which raised $5.1 billion in gross proceeds.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are the best, most knowledgeable and most experienced firm, especially on Maryland REITs and corporate law.

    REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Venable are very good on commercial matters, with huge visibility in transactions in the market.

    REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Their knowledge of Maryland law combined with their commercial expertise is invaluable.

    REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Venable are on the front lines when it comes to Maryland law and the latest developments impacting corporations and trusts.

    REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Venable are simply the gold standard. The team, regardless of the individual, provides quick, entrepreneurial, sound advice.

    REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleJames J Hanks Jr
    Senior StatespeopleJames J Hanks Jr

    James J Hanks Jr

    James Hanks is experienced across the spectrum of REIT matters, boasting a storied career of independent director representation.
    • James is a dean of the Maryland Bar.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is a godfather of the practice area.

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  • Band 1Christopher W Pate
    Band 1Christopher W Pate

    Christopher W Pate

    Christopher Pate is best known for his work with special committees to REITs.
    • He is a leader in the space – lots of experience and a great resource.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Chris is a very experienced attorney with an acute awareness of developments among public, non-listed and private REITs.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Chris is a thoughtful adviser on Maryland matters.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is a really fine lawyer – thoughtful and intelligent.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Chris is an excellent practitioner who gives sound, practical advice.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 1Patricia McGowan
    Band 1Patricia McGowan

    Patricia McGowan

    Patricia McGowan regularly counsels clients on a variety of Maryland-specific REIT issues, including those arising in M&A and IPOs.
    • She is very commercial and easy to get along with.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Patricia is completely REIT-focused, which brings an additional level of expertise.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Patricia is an outstanding, very sharp lawyer who give excellent advice.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Carmen Fonda
    Band 2Carmen Fonda

    Carmen Fonda

    Carmen Fonda's knowledge of corporate structuring in accordance with Maryland's laws is increasingly sought by REITs nationally.
    • She not only addresses the legal questions, but also helps anticipate and address legal challenges I haven't considered.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Carmen is on top of Maryland developments and timely with her work.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Carmen is highly regarded for Maryland REIT law. She has excellent business acumen and delivers great results.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • She is very knowledgeable, with deep experience, and very responsive and easy to work with.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • She is an outstanding lawyer with substantive expertise.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 2Michael D Schiffer
    Band 2Michael D Schiffer

    Michael D Schiffer

    Michael Schiffer is esteemed for representing special committees in REIT IPOs and other transactions.
    • Michael is very commercial and tries to solve problems as he goes. He sees so much across different industries, so he understands different asset classes very well.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Michael is extremely responsive and knowledgeable.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Brian Field
    Band 3Brian Field

    Brian Field

    Brian Field is called upon to advise clients on restructurings, acquisitions and mergers.

    • Brian is a pleasure to work with and provides practical, business-focused advice.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
  • Band 3Hirsh M Ament
    Band 3Hirsh M Ament

    Hirsh M Ament

    Hirsh Ament has a burgeoning practice that involves advising clients on complex acquisitions in the space.
    • He is one of the top experts on Maryland REITs law – an absolute expert in the space. He has a depth of experience which others don't, especially in privately offered vehicles.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • They are extremely responsive and knowledgeable.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • Hirsh has a great perspective on the market and is a leader in non-traded REITs – strongly recommended.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA
    • He is a super practical, great lawyer.

      REITs: Maryland Counsel respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Venable LLP (7)

USA - Nationwide

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