ATLANTA—How hot is Atlanta's commercial real estate market? Hot enough that at least one law firm here is expanding its real estate practice group.

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan has brought on D. Clayton Howell as a partner in the Atlanta office. He previously served as a partner at King & Spalding.

“Adding Clay to our real Estate practice advances our commitment to expanding our national real estate capabilities,” says Sutherland managing partner Mark D. Wasserman. “Clay's arrival directly supports Sutherland's firmwide strategic plan to grow in tandem with the real estate industry not only in the Southeast, but also across our national footprint.”

Howell represents sponsors, equity and institutional investors in the investment in real estate assets, programmatic joint ventures and platforms, as well as developers in complex urban development transactions. He brings 15 years of experience to Sutherland.

“We are in the middle of an incredibly strong and busy period for our clients not only in Atlanta, but also across the country,” say Victor P. Haley, leader of Sutherland's Real Estate Practice Group. Clay's arrival is a direct reflection of Sutherland's response to our clients' growing legal needs.”

During his practice, Howell has guided clients in various acquisitions, development, disposition, and debt and equity transactions ranging from $200 million to $2 billion. Howell regularly represents clients in the multifamily, office, retail, industrial, hospitality, and senior living sectors throughout the United States.

“Through the many real estate projects currently underway in Atlanta, we have had the chance to get to know Clay from the other side of the table,” Haley says. “His strong portfolio of experience greatly complements our team's current work. We have the utmost respect for his talent, passion and knowledge of the industry, and are thrilled to have him on our team.”

Sutherland has over 20 attorneys dedicated to real estate. Bringing together transactional real estate and finance attorneys, the firm manages diverse deals, including in niche areas such as timber acquisition, hospitality, complex real estate finance transactions like multi-tranche mezzanine debt, and data center development and leasing.

“I'm honored to join Sutherland and to become a part of such a fine group of talented lawyers,” says Howell. “As with the growth of the real estate market, I am excited to refresh my focus and extend my services to clients in key markets, including in Atlanta and beyond.”

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