Real estate lawyer-turned-developer Dennis Russo has been tapped to head up BakerHostetler’s New York real estate group, based in Manhattan, according to a release from the law firm today.
Russo hails from the real estate legal practice of Herrick, Feinstein, where as an attorney and then co-chair he represented buyers in big-ticket property transactions like Billy Macklowe’s commercial space at 1540 Broadway. In 2013, Russo represented Sherwood Equities in a colossal $167 million sell at 30th Street and 10th Avenue in Hudson Yards to Boston developer Frank McCourt.
He also develops, owns and manages properties himself.
“I read a book on real estate financing and investing,” he told Real Estate Weekly last year. “Then I read another book, and then another, and then I put together the first of a number of limited partnerships.”
In college, Russo had intended only to be a lawyer for a few years before going into business, according to Real Estate Weekly, but ended up staying in the legal world.
Russo is bringing two other Herrick attorneys, Gina Mavica and Nick Melillo, with him to BakerHostetler.
“As a former developer, Dennis has unique insights into our clients’ needs on both the legal and business side of a deal,” said George Stamboulidis, partner at BakerHostetler’s New York office, in the release. — Angela Hunt