The Firm: The practice at Proskauer Rose offers expertise across the whole gamut of real estate issues, on both the dirt side and in corporate and finance matters. The team regularly handles complex projects for REITs, developers and institutional lenders, and of late has represented Vornado Realty Trust in a number of high-profile leasing transactions in New York and Chicago. Other key clients include CBRE, Hermes of Paris and UBS Securities.

Sources Say: "A deep bench of superior attorneys."

Key Individuals: Steven Lichtenfeld is highlighted by commentators as an "expert on all matters related to real estate finance and capital markets." He advised American Realty Capital Trust on its initial listing on NASDAQ.

Ronald Sernau represented Extell Development in connection with the development of Nordstrom's new Manhattan flagship store. Sources note that he is "efficient, smart and really knows his leasing area."

David Weinberger is "very detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable about the lender's viewpoint on loans." In notable highlights, he advised the owners of Harbor Group International on the acquisition, sale and financing of various properties, including the $270 million sale of Four New York Plaza.

Interviewees hail Peter Fass as "the 'Godfather' of the modern REIT." Work highlights include providing ongoing advice to American Realty Capital and Realty Capital Securities in connection with REIT public offerings worth a total of more than $14 billion.