Experience
Advised Missouri Medical Marijuana Licensees in M&A and Reorganization Transactions
Led and closed transactions involving stock sales, asset sales, license transfers and other reorganizations contingent on and subject to significant regulatory requirements and conditions of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. These involved both seller and acquisition-side efforts for 10 different medical marijuana licensee clients.
Implemented Strategy for $1.7 Billion Headquarters Deal for National Intelligence Agency
Created and implemented a complex strategy that allowed a municipality to acquire land for a new $1.7 billion headquarters facility for a national intelligence agency. The complex deal for the facility, which will help the municipality keep 3,100 jobs, involved countless negotiations, the use of eminent domain, and landing $131 million in state funding to buy and clear the site.
Counseled 15+ Clients in Missouri Medical Marijuana Application, Licensure Process
Advised and assisted over 15 other companies filing medical marijuana license applications, including assistance with rule interpretations and analysis of Missouri’s complex application materials.
Assisted Multiple Clients in Missouri Medical Marijuana Application, Licensure Process
Assisted multiple clients in drafting and submitting numerous applications for medical marijuana facility licenses to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Acquisition of Transmission Line Easements for Energy Client
Assisted client in securing transmission line easements by negotiation and condemnation.
Counsel to Peabody Energy in Chapter 11 Proceedings
Served as co-counsel to Peabody Energy, the largest private-sector coal company in the world, in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Renegotiation of Nearly 1,000 Retail Leases for Men’s Clothing Retailer
Completed a two-phase renegotiation of nearly 1,000 retail leases across the United States and Canada for a men’s retail clothing client in connection with COVID-19 impacts and the client’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. In the first phase, we negotiated rent deferral agreements for nearly 400 retail locations in connection with the impact of COVID-19 and related government-mandated closures on the client’s operations; and assisted with nearly two dozen litigation matters relating to closures in several states. In the second phase, following the client’s declaration of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, we renegotiated nearly 850 retail leases assumed by the client in connection with the bankruptcy proceedings, successfully finalizing and obtaining full execution of nearly 99% of renegotiated leases submitted for legal review, nearly three times the success rate the client had originally anticipated.
Successfully Obtained Zoning Code Amendments and Land Use Approvals for Construction Project
Successfully obtained zoning code amendments and land use approvals to construct and operate storage facilities in Missouri. Prepared multi-faceted applications to amend the zoning codes and to obtain use permits; appeared at several municipal board meetings; and communicated in a timely manner with municipal staff, committees, board members and our client's teams of engineers and architects to meet deadlines embedded in the complex zoning codes.
Special Counsel for Municipality in Property Acquisition
Special counsel for the City in connection with property acquisitions for a project including flood mitigation and Chapter 353 redevelopment efforts.
Representation of Property Management Companies in Landlord/Tenant Disputes
Worked with several property management companies to develop and implement the best strategy to meet the landlords’ goals in collecting all past-due rent, initiating eviction proceedings and/or entering into complex settlement agreements with delinquent tenants to remain in properties, which resulted in collecting over $300,000 in past-due rent and securing punctual performance under the leases.
Dismissal of Environmental Claims Against Energy Client
Obtained dismissal of environmental claims against a client in the energy industry. Because the lawsuit in question was filed after the client filed its Chapter 11 reorganization plan, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court granted the client’s motion to enforce the release and injunction provisions in the confirmed plan. As a result, the court dismissed the causes of action with prejudice.
Successful Representation of Global Health Care Company in Receivership Action
Represented health care company in a state court receivership action filed in Wisconsin. Prepared all of the necessary pleadings to memorialize our client's claim and advocated on their behalf which ultimately resulted in receiving a significant payout from the receivership estate.
Successfully Negotiated Property Vacation of Delinquent Tenants
Successfully negotiated the peaceful vacation of properties and payment of all past-due rent and other fees from delinquent tenants through the initiation of eviction proceedings, and ultimately, the preparation and execution of complex settlement agreements.
Review of 480 Leases for Grocery Store Chain
Conducted a lease review for a national grocery store chain, consisting of approximately 480 leases across the country with a wide range of landlords and terms. This involved flagging construction and improvement rights, maintenance and repair responsibilities, approaching renewals and incomplete files.
Acquisition of Transmission Line Easements for Energy Client
Assisted client in securing electrical power transmission line easements by negotiation and condemnation. Despite having an original list of 80 parcels of land, the team settled the majority on a compressed timeline and went to hearing on just four parcels, all of which were ultimately resolved in our client’s favor.
