National Law Journal Names Arent Fox Attorneys ‘Deal Maker of the Year’

In a profile of Washington lawyers who “tackled some of the most notable transactions in the country last year,” The National Law Journal (NLJ) named several Arent Fox attorneys in its District’s “Deal Makers of the Year” report.

The publication reported that, “The lawyers in Arent Fox’s Washington office execute some of the country’s biggest deals not only because of legal experience, but also a working knowledge of the businesses the attorneys are counseling. That insight is rooted in the firm’s deal-making for clients local and nationwide, working with management teams in areas that include sports franchises, charter schools, nonprofits and private-equity funds looking to invest in specific project areas.”

Real Estate practice group leader Kenneth S. Jacob told NLJ that, “Because we’ve really represented both the private-equity side, investing in a deal, and the developer side of the deal, the sweat equity, we’re aware of where the market is on each of the points, so that enables us to get deals done effectively. It’s always the client’s ultimate call, but I’ve found clients appreciate the advice so long as it’s clear ‘this is what I’ve seen’ doesn’t mean ‘that’s the right decision for you.’” NLJ noted the firm’s work helping to consummate national “deals for buyers, sellers, investors and others in the senior living industry.”

NLJ highlighted “the largest-ever naming rights and sponsorship transaction on the West Coast,” where Sports practice group leader Richard L. Brand and Corporate & Securities practice group leader Steven A. Cohen, advised the San Francisco 49ers in a transaction with Levi Strauss & Co. The publication also cited the work of Real Estate partner Thomas R. Castiello, “who has represented a number of Washington charter schools in a variety of matters” in rated debt bond financing.