Web Analytics
About Bernard

Focused and practical real estate development and investment counsel

Bernard Kearney is a real estate lawyer who advises clients in a variety of industries on real estate transactions. With clients including regional, national and multinational corporations, REITs and private equity funds, Bernard focuses on:

  • Commercial land development
  • Real estate investments
  • Construction
  • Leasing

Bernard works closely with his clients to understand their real estate and other business needs and to structure and develop transactions that meet their objectives.

Experience in Action

  • Representing private equity clients in asset acquisition, private placement offerings to investors, financing, developing and leasing.
  • Advising corporate clients on purchases, sales, leasing and other issues related to their real estate portfolios.
  • Negotiating and drafting complex limited liability company operating agreements, partnership and joint venture agreements for real estate projects and investments, including representing sponsors and developers in partnerships with institutional investors.
  • Representing owners and developers in construction and development of multi-family and mixed use facilities, including entitlement work, TIF negotiation and construction agreements.
  • Representing owners, investors, sellers and tenants in sale leaseback transactions, including purchase, leasing, institutional financing and build-to-suit leases.
  • Advising REITs regarding purchases and sales and financing of portfolio properties.
  • Serving as borrower’s counsel in HUD loan transactions.

Successes

  • Served as principal counsel for multiple private equity real estate funds in connection with the acquisition of over $300 million of assets in the Midwest region.
  • Ongoing representation of an international manufacturing client in connection with all legal aspects of its corporate real estate portfolio in excess of 50 million square feet of space.
  • Served as borrower’s counsel for over $650 million of HUD loans for the owner of 100-plus skilled nursing facilities.
  • Represented a publicly traded REIT in connection with acquisitions, financing and the disposition of a $200 million-plus multi-asset portfolio.

Professional Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America® (2012–present: Real Estate Law, 2024: Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers® "Rising Stars" (2006-2010: Real Estate Law)
  • Chambers USA® (2022-present: Real Estate)

Professional & Civic Activities

  • Wisconsin Bar Association, member

News & Insights

Education

Bar Admissions

Back to Main Content

We use cookies to provide you with the best user experience on our website and to analyze statistics related to our website. To understand more about how we use cookies, or for instructions to change your preference and browser settings, please see our Privacy Notice. Please note that if you choose to reject cookies, doing so may impair some of our website's functionality.