Arent Fox
ATTORNEY BIO
Michael H. Leahy

Michael H. Leahy
November 11, 2011
  • Partner
  • Washington, DC
202.857.6222
michael.leahy@arentfox.com

Mike Leahy started his practice at Arent Fox immediately following his graduation from law school, and has been a partner of the firm for more than 25 years. During that period, his practice has centered primarily on commercial real estate transactions.

Client Work

Mike has represented clients in a wide variety of real estate matters, including purchases and sales, development projects, and financings and exchanges. He has also advised clients on the federal income tax aspects of real estate transactions and has assisted clients in the formation of entities to own and operate real estate projects.

Mike’s client work includes representation of large private equity funds, developers, and publicly held real estate investment trusts. Most recently, he served as the lead counsel for Quadrangle Development Corporation in its development of the downtown convention center hotel (the largest hotel in Washington, DC) and related Marriott hotel in Montgomery County, Maryland. Mike also recently served as lead counsel for Washington Real Estate Investment Trust’s disposition of its industrial/warehouse portfolio.

Mike is frequently called upon to structure sophisticated joint ventures for the ownership of improved real properties and their development, and to draft and negotiate the operative documents for such ventures. For example, in 2004, Mike successfully concluded joint ventures between Quadrangle Development Corporation and ING for the development of two Washington, DC properties.

Publications, Presentations and Recognitions

Mike has been recognized as a leading real estate lawyer in Washington, DC by Chambers USA every year from 2008 to 2012.

Life Beyond the Law

When he is not working, Mike enjoys a round of golf, or spending time with his son, who is just learning the game. Mike also attempts to keep up with his wife Sara, who is both an actress and an interior designer.

Bar and Court Admissions

  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Maryland Bar

Education

Duke University School of Law
, JD
  ( with distinction )
Yale University
, BA
  ( cum laude )

Practices

  • Real Estate

Areas of Focus

  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
  • Awards & Recognitions

1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036-5339
T202.857.6000 F202.857.6395
1675 Broadway
New York, NY 10019-5820
T212.484.3900F212.484.3990
555 West Fifth Street, 48th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013-1065
T213.629.7400F213.629.7401
www.arentfox.com