George offers a unique set of skills and experiences to clients in commercial real estate and real estate development. He began his career in private practice, representing purchasers, sellers and financial institutions in multi-million-dollar commercial sale transactions and loan agreements. Most recently, he worked in-house for a publicly traded REIT, where he oversaw day-to-day real estate matters and served as Associate Counsel, Acquisitions. During his tenure, the REIT acquired almost $4 billion in various properties.
Commercial Real Estate
George’s commercial real estate experience spans both his time in private practice and his work for Life Storage Inc., the formerly Buffalo-based REIT.
At Harris Beach, George provided oversight and counsel on purchase and sale agreements, leases, mortgage loan documents, and other real estate agreements. He also negotiated agreements for the formation of LLCs and corporations and represented school districts, religious institutions and non-profits, as well as municipalities. George also provided clients with counsel on various complex tax matters.
While with Life Storage, George maintained an intense focus on closing real estate deals and helping clients address legal issues that arise during transactions. He negotiated easements, managed eminent domain proceedings, and oversaw cell tower and billboard operational legal issues.
Mergers & Acquisitions
As Associate Counsel, Acquisitions, George worked on all aspects of transactions, from letters of intent to post-closing.
He also reviewed and assisted in negotiations of Purchase and Sale Agreements and Membership Interest and Purchase Agreements for acquisitions and led the due diligence team on all matters pertaining to due diligence reviews. George also oversaw post-sale concerns such as zoning violations and lot splitting, as well as legal issues involving a third-party Life Storage management subsidiary.
During law school, George served as a law clerk in the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel with the Department of Homeland Security for United States Customs and Border Protection. He also worked as a legal extern for New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan.