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.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America® (Real Estate Law, 2012–present)
- Selected for inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers®–Rising Stars Editions (Real Estate Law, 2006–2010)
- Chambers USA®, Real Estate, 2022
Professional & Civic Activities
- Wisconsin Bar Association (Member)
News & Insights
Education
- Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Certificate, Quarles & Brady Leadership Program (2016)
- University of Texas (M.A., 2002)
- Major: Philosophy
- University of Texas School of Law (J.D., with honors, 2002)
- Marquette University (M.A., 1997)
- Major: Political Science
- Marquette University (B.A., 1995)
Bar Admissions
- Wisconsin