Nixon Peabody LLP continues to expand its Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice with the addition of counsel Sean Garahan, whose practice involves all types of commercial real estate transactions.
Based in the law firm’s New York City office and representing both borrowers and lenders, Sean has deep experience handling mortgage, mezzanine, construction, and other financings. This includes the purchase and sale of mortgage and subordinated debt, and the negotiation of intercreditor, participation, and co-lender agreements as well as loan restructurings, discounted payoffs, deed-in-lieu transactions, and foreclosures. Sean also works with clients to structure joint venture agreements in connection with business formations to own, operate, and develop real estate assets.
“With factors such as rising interest rates, property conversions, and hybrid work driving changes across the commercial real estate space, client demand is keeping our group firmly in growth mode,” said Denise Pursley, leader of Nixon Peabody’s Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice. “Sean’s deep experience in all types of real estate matters, especially in more specialized finance areas, will add to our existing bench.”
Sean’s real estate finance work involves advising borrowers and lenders in the workout and modification of numerous mortgage and mezzanine financings for multifamily, hospitality, mixed-use developments, and commercial office properties. For instance, he previously represented the developer in a $1.7 billion mortgage and mezzanine construction loan for a new construction mixed-use property in New York City that included approximately $1.35 billion mortgage and mezzanine financing and a $352 million junior mezzanine EB-5 financing and numerous joint ventures. He also represented an institutional lender in originating mortgages totaling more than $4 billion for multifamily and commercial office properties throughout the country.
On the acquisitions and dispositions side, Sean has represented owners and developers with respect to portfolios of hospitality, hotel, and industrial properties across the United States. Notably, he represented the developer in an $870 million acquisition and bridge financing for a new construction development site in New York City, and he previously represented the purchaser in the $106 million acquisition and financing of a New York City hotel, including negotiating a franchise agreement.
“Sean is an excellent addition to our real estate group, and he brings a wide range of experience that will also be valuable to colleagues outside of his practice area,” said Ilana Kameros, managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s New York City office. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sean to the firm, and we look forward to introducing him to Nixon Peabody’s clients.”
Sean earned his JD from New York Law School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College and his master’s from St. John’s University. Sean was selected by Super Lawyers magazine as one of the publication’s “Rising Stars” for New York Metro, 2017–2019.
