Hong Kong (LAWFUEL) – DLA Piper today announced Joseph Christian, one of the most highly-regarded real estate lawyers in the United States, has joined the Real Estate Practice group as partner in the Hong Kong office. Mr Christian has relocated from DLA Piper’s Boston office where he focused on real estate and real estate capital markets transactions. Among other things, he will be advising Asian and foreign institutions and investors looking at capitalising business opportunities in the downturn of the US real estate market.
Mr Christian brings over 25 years of real estate experience to the group. Having played a critical role in DLA Piper’s Real Estate group in the US with significant international as well as Asian experience, he will now focus on reinforcing the award-winning practice in Asia, providing counsel to real estate advisors, operating companies, tax-qualified and public pension and profit-sharing plans, financial institutions, real estate investment trusts as well as individuals.
He has substantial expertise handling complex deals involving the acquisition, financing, management, and the disposal of real estate assets in major markets across US as well as overseas. Mr Christian also brings a strong track record advising clients on real estate joint ventures, equity and debt financings, real estate and land-use law, environmental law, taxation of tax-exempt entities, and rules governing real estate investment trusts. He has extensive experience in the management of real estate portfolios. In addition, for over 7 years, he has been representing a US real estate operating company in the acquisition, financing and development of a 1,500 acre master planned new city in Incheon, South Korea.
“We have one of the strongest real estate practices globally – over 600 lawyers and a consistent top ranking as one of the leading law firms in this field. In Asia, our clients are increasingly operating in international markets and benefit from our team’s combined international and on-the-ground real estate expertise,” said DLA Piper’s Asia Managing Director, Alastair Da Costa. “Property faces challenges as the cycle moves through a downturn. Joe has more than 25 years experience as a real estate lawyer, bringing clients the long-term perspective and experience to make the most from a demanding set of circumstances.”
He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Northeastern University School of Law and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in economics from the Catholic University of America. Mr Christian is listed in every edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business since 2005. He is also named in The Best Lawyers in America in 2008-2009.
