Keith R. Barnett

Keith R. Barnett: Leading Commercial Real Estate Attorney in Boston

Keith R. Barnett is a highly accomplished and experienced commercial real estate attorney dedicated to providing strategic legal counsel and exceptional results for clients across a diverse range of transactions and projects. With a proven track record of success, Mr. Barnett consistently represents national and international clients, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and extensive legal expertise to navigate the complexities of commercial real estate finance, development, acquisitions, sales, leasing, and distressed assets. His firm is recognized as a leader in providing specialized solutions, particularly in complex financial arrangements and challenging real estate situations.

Mr. Barnett’s practice is built on a foundation of meticulous attention to detail, proactive risk management, and a commitment to understanding each client's unique objectives. He thrives on tackling challenging projects and delivering tailored legal strategies that drive value and ensure favorable outcomes. Clients rely on his expertise in key areas including complex financing structures, development oversight, and strategic dispute resolution.

Practice Areas

• Real Estate Finance: Mr. Barnett specializes in structuring complex real estate financing transactions, including traditional mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, preferred equity investments, and sophisticated “bond leases” and “synthetic leases,” meticulously accounting for all tax and legal considerations. He advises on a wide array of financing options to optimize capital structures and minimize risk.
• Real Estate Development: He has extensive experience representing developers throughout the entire development lifecycle, from initial planning and permitting through construction and project completion. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of development types, including hotel projects, retail developments, office buildings, biotechnology and high technology facilities, residential developments, warehouse and industrial facilities, and academic buildings.
• Acquisitions & Sales: Mr. Barnett expertly guides clients through all stages of real estate acquisitions and sales, ensuring seamless transactions and protecting their interests. He handles complex due diligence, negotiation, and closing procedures.
• Leasing: He provides comprehensive legal support for owners and tenants in connection with a wide variety of leasing transactions, covering all aspects from negotiation to execution and administration.
• Distressed Real Estate Solutions: As a leader in the firm’s Distressed Real Estate Solutions Group, Mr. Barnett provides critical expertise in loan workouts, foreclosure advice, and debt and equity restructurings, assisting clients in navigating challenging financial circumstances.
• Land Use & Zoning: Mr. Barnett provides strategic guidance on land use matters, including zoning approvals, variances, and other regulatory approvals.
• Shopping Center Transactions: He has a focused practice within shopping center transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and development.
• Joint Ventures: He represents clients in structuring and negotiating complex joint ventures for real estate projects.
• Tax Certiorari: Mr. Barnett handles appeals related to property tax assessments.
• Transactions & Litigation: He provides comprehensive legal support for all types of real estate transactions, including litigation support.
• Troubled Projects: Mr. Barnett possesses significant experience in working with and advising clients involved in troubled real estate projects, providing expert guidance on options and opportunities for resolving challenges and maximizing value.

Education & Credentials

• Recognized: Recognized as a Real Estate Law specialist, with a Special Focus on Commercial, Development, Finance, Hotels, Joint Ventures, Land Use, Shopping Center Transactions, Tax Certiorari, Transactions, Troubled Projects, Workouts and Restructurings, and Zoning.
• Awards: Named a “New England Super Lawyer” in the area of real estate law in Boston Magazine (2008-2013).
• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2007

Affiliations

Keith R. Barnett is a trusted legal partner for a wide spectrum of clients, including investors, developers, retailers, pension fund advisors, life insurance companies, commercial banks, opportunity investors, and publicly traded companies – many of which are among the world's largest publicly traded retailers. His dedication to providing proactive, results-oriented legal representation solidifies his position as a leading commercial real estate attorney in Boston and beyond.