New York Real Estate Practice Group Adds 2, Nears 30 Lawyers

NEW YORK — July 21, 2014 — Hunton & Williams LLP announces the arrival of Jerome J. Dano and Valerie H. Kitay, who join the real estate team as counsel in New York. Dano, who arrives from Ashurst LLP has more than 15 years of experience in mortgage loan originations designated for commercial mortgage-backed securitizations (CMBS), including a decade with defunct Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP. Kitay joins the firm after eight years with Goodwin Procter LLP in its real estate capital markets practice and three years at King & Spalding LLP. She has represented institutional investors, real estate funds and owner/operators in connection with all aspects of their real estate transactions.

Established two years ago, the New York real estate group currently consists of 27 lawyers, while the practice boasts more than 75 lawyers nationwide. Carl F. Schwartz, co-head of the firm’s global real estate practice, says, “Since our New York real estate operation got underway at Hunton & Williams, it’s been one exciting development after another. Jerome and Val are known for handling large, complex transactions. With their senior experience, outstanding reputations and shared client connections with Hunton lawyers, they are perfect strategic and cultural fits for the firm.”

Jerome Dano’s experience includes permanent and interim financings of shopping centers, office buildings, multifamily developments and hotels located across the United States; single asset loans; cross-collateralized, multistate portfolios; single and multitier mezzanine loans; and senior-subordinate note structures.

Valerie Kitay focuses on complex commercial real estate transactions, including portfolio transactions, development transactions and property sales, acquisitions and financings. She represents clients using complex structures to invest in real estate assets and domestic real estate funds in all aspects of the fund formation process.

Hunton & Williams’ real estate practice group advises clients on matters involving the full spectrum of commercial, industrial, retail, multifamily, hospitality and mixed-use properties.