About Suzanne
Suzanne Bessette-Smith: Leading Commercial Real Estate Attorney in Chicago
For over 40 years, Suzanne Bessette-Smith has been a trusted and respected leader in the field of commercial real estate law. As Co-Chair of Barack Ferrazzano’s Real Estate Group, she’s renowned for her deal-driven approach, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. Suzanne is not just a lawyer; she’s a strategic partner, proactively anticipating her clients’ evolving needs and providing straightforward, practical legal counsel.
Suzanne’s expertise spans a wide range of complex real estate transactions, encompassing everything from large-scale acquisitions and dispositions to intricate financing arrangements and property management. She consistently represents publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and expertly facilitates joint ventures – uniting developers, financial partners, and other real estate professionals to achieve ambitious goals. Her deep understanding of the market and her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes make her a highly sought-after legal resource.
Suzanne’s practice areas include:
- Commercial Real Estate Transactions: Suzanne specializes in the acquisition, disposition, and financing of diverse properties, including industrial, office, and multi-family buildings. She's also a leading expert in franchised hotel transactions and long-term ground leases, meticulously managing every aspect of the process.
- REIT Representation: She possesses significant experience in representing publicly traded REITs, navigating the unique regulatory environment and securing advantageous deals.
- Joint Venture Formation: Suzanne excels at creating successful joint ventures, combining developers, financial institutions, and other real estate professionals to maximize investment opportunities.
- Complex Financing: Her expertise extends to Shari’ah-compliant financings, multi-jurisdictional portfolio acquisitions and financings, and tax-deferred exchanges, offering innovative and strategic solutions for her clients.
- Distressed Asset Resolution: Suzanne has a proven track record of successfully handling distressed assets, including loan restructurings, consent foreclosures, and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure – utilizing her strategic approach to mitigate risks and protect her clients' interests.
- Leasing & Property Management: She provides expert guidance on industrial and office property leasing, and offers comprehensive property management support.
Suzanne’s commitment to excellence has been consistently recognized throughout her career. She has been individually recognized as a top Illinois real estate lawyer by Chambers USA, Leading Lawyers, and Best Attorney USA for more than a decade, a testament to her dedication and expertise. Furthermore, she is a fellow in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, an exclusive honor bestowed upon leading professionals in the field.
Her Credentials & Affiliations:
- Recognized: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2008
- City: Chicago, Illinois
- Country: United States
- American College of Real Estate Lawyers (Fellow)
Suzanne’s strategic approach, combined with her deep industry knowledge and relentless advocacy, makes her the ideal legal partner for any real estate transaction. She is dedicated to providing her clients with personalized, results-oriented representation, and her commitment to their success is unwavering.
