William E. Stempel, General Counsel of Swig Equities, Joins McDermott Will & Emery
NEW YORK (July 12, 2010) — McDermott Will & Emery LLP today announced that William E. Stempel has joined as a partner in the Real Estate Group in the New York office. Mr. Stempel brings a wealth of high-level experience representing clients in complex commercial real estate transactions. Prior to joining the Firm, he served as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Swig Equities, LLC, a New York City-based real estate development, investment and management company.
Throughout his career, he has counseled clients on the acquisition and sale of commercial real estate, financing of commercial loans, joint-venture agreements and leasing of office and retail space.
“Bill is a gifted and creative attorney who has worked on a wide variety of major transactions,” said Keith M. Pattiz, the head of the Firm's Real Estate Group. “His depth of knowledge and experience, especially as in-house counsel, expands our ability to service clients in sophisticated real estate transactions.”
At Swig Equities, Mr. Stempel managed all legal issues related to the company’s $3 billion portfolio of commercial and residential properties. He negotiated and oversaw all legal work for its entire commercial leasing portfolio, and was responsible for all legal documents related to the acquisition and sale of real estate, joint-venture partnerships, all financing arrangements, commercial leasing, residential sales, and condominium offering plans. He also oversaw the company’s litigation and employment-related legal issues. In 2007, he served as counsel for Swig Equities’ acquisition of Helmsley Spear, an internationally known commercial brokerage firm.
“While we shall miss Bill’s presence in our office, we look forward to working with him as he continues to oversee all of Swig Equities legal work, but now as a partner with McDermott Will & Emery. All of us at Swig Equities congratulate him on his new position,” said Kent M. Swig, President of Swig Equities, LLC.
Mr. Stempel also played a significant role in a major condominium conversion in Manhattan, which at the time was the largest conversion in New York City history. The transaction involved $641 million in financing, including a securitized mortgage and seven levels of mezzanine debt and preferred equity.
Leading trade publications have recognized his prominent accomplishments. In 2009, Real Estate New York named Mr. Stempel to its “40 Under 40” list of accomplished young professionals. Real Estate Weekly in 2008 honored him as a Real Estate All-Star, and in 2007 tapped him as one its Rising Stars in real estate.
Mr. Stempel received his law degree from the Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. He earned his undergraduate degree at Cornell University.
“I am thrilled to join the Real Estate Group of McDermott Will & Emery which will provide a powerful platform to handle sophisticated real estate transactions,” said Mr. Stempel. “I look forward to helping our high-level clients solve their legal challenges and achieve their business goals.”
McDermott Will & Emery's Real Estate Practice Group counsels clients on all aspects of the real estate acquisition and development process. The Firm’s representation extends from the structuring of large, complex acquisitions through development and ultimate disposition. McDermott represents landlords and tenants in all facets of office, commercial, retail and industrial leasing transactions, as well as financial institutions and private and institutional investors in multi-state and project financing. Additionally, the Firm counsels hospitality clients in all aspects of their business, including the structuring and implementation of management agreements.
Real estate matters commonly require support and resources from other areas of the law and McDermott offers interdisciplinary services that are critical to clients. McDermott’s approach involves leveraging extensive industry experience across our recognized areas of practice, such as corporate, tax, intellectual property, labor, governmental affairs and environmental practices.
