Richard A. Fineman, a well-known real estate lawyer with more than 20 years' experience as both in-house and outside counsel—including 10 years previously with Ballard Spahr—has rejoined the firm in its Philadelphia office, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Mr. Fineman has handled a wide variety of complex real estate matters, including sophisticated development projects, acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and financings, as well as public-private transactions and distressed real estate matters. He was previously at Ballard Spahr from 2003 through 2013. Since then, he has practiced as both outside and in-house counsel, including serving as vice president and general counsel for a Pennsylvania-based real estate development, investment, and management company.

His experience includes representing and advising lenders, borrowers, underwriters, trustees, special servicers, developers, landlords, tenants, property managers, and government agencies in structuring, documenting, and negotiating a broad range of complex commercial real estate and finance transactions.

Mr. Fineman's addition further strengthens Ballard Spahr's real estate capabilities in the Philadelphia office—already the best in Pennsylvania the past four years, as rated by The Legal Intelligencer. The firm's Real Estate Department is one of the nation's largest and most accomplished, with more than 110 lawyers in 11 offices across the country. The Department is nationally recognized for excellence by leading publications, including Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business and U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers.

"Rich's experience is deep and diverse—he is especially known for his adept handling of the most complex development projects. From sports stadiums, skyscrapers, and industrial marine terminals to student housing and military base reuse, Rich can do it all," said Bart I. Mellits, Chair of Ballard Spahr's Real Estate Department. "We are thrilled to welcome Rich back to Ballard and excited about the skill and experience he brings to the practice and our clients. His legal, business, and negotiation skills are superb, and his ability to effectively manage high-pressure situations will be an important asset for our clients in this competitive market."

"I couldn't be happier to be returning to Ballard—it feels like coming home," Mr. Fineman said. "I have tremendous respect for the firm, its lawyers, and its real estate practice. I look forward to working with this well-respected team to provide clients with the value-added representation they need—by supplying the business and legal insight to identify and capitalize on available opportunities and handle challenges effectively and efficiently."

About Ballard Spahr

Ballard Spahr LLP, an Am Law 100 law firm with more than 500 lawyers in 13 offices in the United States, provides a range of services in litigation, business and finance, real estate, intellectual property, and public finance. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, life sciences and technology companies, health systems, investors and developers, government agencies and sponsored enterprises, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The firm combines a national scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. For more information, please visit www.ballardspahr.com.