Real estate industry news outlet GlobeSt has selected Akerman real estate partners Theresa McLaughlin and Paul Russo for its 2023 "Influencers in Retail" list. The list recognizes the retail real estate sector’s prominent professionals who have had a significant impact on the business through their contributions to the industry, the vast successes they’ve achieved in completing deals and projects, or the innovations and best practices they have introduced.
McLaughlin – who is based in Fort Lauderdale – founded Akerman's retail development and leasing practice group and led the group as chair for more than 15 years. She grew the practice group from a few members in the firm to more than 70 today and she remains actively engaged in the group. McLaughlin's 36-year-career has included landmark deals including Swire Properties' leasing of its iconic billion-dollar Brickell City Centre development. She has also represented one of the nation’s largest sporting goods chains and a national office supply store for more than a decade in big box leasing, and acquisition and development in multi-state activity. McLaughlin has served on the Akerman board of directors and has been a mentor to many women at the firm.
Based in Akerman's Chicago office, Russo’s recent achievements include representing a Chicago-based developer in all aspects of the development of a showroom and office building for the Herman Miller furniture company. He handled joint venture negotiations, land acquisition, long-term lease negotiation, construction financing and, ultimately, the disposition of the project, which sold for one of the highest prices per square foot in Chicago history. Russo's commercial real estate matters have totaled more than $1 billion. He is a member of both ICSC and the Urban Land Institute. Russo is a member of the Akerman Associate Training Committee.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.
Akerman's Real Estate Practice Group offers comprehensive and fully integrated project counsel services to clients across the United States and Latin America. With substantial industry experience and local market insights, the firm represents clients in complex real estate transactions and financings, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives and litigation. Recognized as a national tier one law firm for real estate law by U.S. News - Best Lawyers, the group advises investors, developers, builders, lenders, retailers, owners and corporate end users, often in high profile matters.