New York, NY (March 3, 2025) --- Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP today announced that real estate lawyers John Bain and Wes Smith have joined the Firm as partners in the Dallas office. John has significant experience in real estate and real estate finance transactions, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors. Wes focuses on complex real estate financings, as well as workouts and restructurings.  They are joined by four associates. The group’s addition extends Willkie’s global real estate platform and establishes a first-in-class Texas-based real estate practice, continuing its investment and expansion in the region. Holt Foster, Managing Partner of the Dallas office, commented: “Having worked opposite John, I know him to be an exceptional real estate attorney and trusted advisor to his clients. John and Wes have deep ties to the Dallas market that support the growth of a premier, Texas-based real estate and hospitality practice and expand our transactional capabilities in the region and across the Firm. They are valuable additions to our growing team in Texas and we are delighted to welcome them to Willkie.” John represents purchasers, sellers, lenders, landlords and tenants in a wide variety of real estate and real estate finance transactions. With extensive experience advising clients across the hotel, resort and leisure property sectors, he focuses on purchases, sales, financings, refinancings and debt restructurings. He also advises clients on the management and leasing of office buildings, multifamily projects, restaurants, industrial properties, manufacturing facilities and raw land. John has been recognized for his work in national and regional media outlets and legal directories. Wes focuses his practice on representing institutional investor borrowers and lenders in the origination and restructuring of mortgage and mezzanine loans, construction and bridge loans, participations and other co-lender arrangements secured by all asset classes, including digital infrastructure, hospitality, office, retail, industrial, logistics and multifamily. John, Wes and their team join from Akin Gump’s Dallas office. John commented: “Willkie’s broad transactional platform, integrated approach to real estate matters, and strong commitment to the growing Texas market complement our practice and its goals. We are excited to join the Firm’s talented team of practitioners that will continue to expand Willkie’s footprint in Texas.” Willkie’s Dallas office was launched in May 2024 and extends the Firm’s preeminent private equity, M&A, finance and asset management practices to a diverse array of clients located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our team advises on corporate transactions, private equity, finance, restructuring, tax and additional transactional matters, and has significant experience in the energy, infrastructure, industrial, manufacturing, aviation, automotive, chemicals, real estate, technology and retail sectors.

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