Media Coverage
Source: Law360
Media Coverage
10.01.14
Law360 recently profiled Houston partner Laura Hannusch as one of the country’s top real estate dealmakers. This year, Hannusch managed a $1.2 billion commercial real estate deal in Houston and represented San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit in negotiating leases with multiple private developers. She also represented the seller in one of the biggest sports deals of the year, the Atlanta Braves’ purchase of land in Cobb County, Georgia.
Hannusch spoke to Law360 about what she’s looking forward to in the Houston real estate market.
“In Houston, there is a huge focus on residential development downtown and near downtown. It is amazing how many residential projects are in development or proposed in this area,” she said. “Hopefully the retail development that is needed to support the residential growth will follow.”
She also offered advice to other dealmakers:
“Remember that the goal is not to win as many ‘points’ as possible, it’s to make sure your client gets what it needs on the business side while protecting your client’s legal risks. In many cases, both sides will be working together for years to come, and you don’t want to sour a relationship before it even starts,” Hannusch said. “Also, be creative. My job is really fun when I am able to come up with solutions to problems that have brought a deal to a standstill or when I get to come up with a new way of doing something.”