Cole Schotz Grows New York Real Estate Practice with Former REIT VP

Cole Schotz P.C. is pleased to announce Mike Perlmutter has rejoined the firm’s New York office as a member of its nationally recognized Real Estate practice.

Mr. Perlmutter, who will focus primarily on commercial leasing, comes to Cole Schotz from Seritage Growth Properties, a publicly traded real estate investment trust with properties in 41 states and Puerto Rico. He spent the past 5 years at Seritage, where he was elevated to the role of Vice President and Real Estate Counsel. He worked as an associate at Cole Schotz earlier in his career.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike back to the firm, where he will add to our extensive capabilities involving property development, redevelopment and leasing,” said Richard W. Abramson, co-chairman of both the firm’s Real Estate Department and the Real Estate Special Opportunities Group. “His substantial experience in the redevelopment of Seritage’s properties will allow him to offer valuable practical guidance to clients negotiating development and leasing transactions.”

While at Seritage, Mr. Perlmutter engaged in the legal and business aspects of developing and leasing millions of square feet at retail and mixed-use properties throughout the United States. He has analyzed and resolved complex legal and business issues from the perspective of both an owner and outside counsel, giving him a unique perspective for representing sophisticated property owners and tenants.

“The firm’s experience in advising some of the most prominent real estate owners and developers in the United States made rejoining Cole Schotz an easy decision,” said Mr. Perlmutter. “I’m excited to bring my commercial leasing experience to the firm’s already strong bench and to once again work closely with the team.”

The arrival of Mr. Perlmutter to the Real Estate Department follows the addition of Robert Augusto Riva, who joined the group in July in New York.

Mr. Perlmutter is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. He earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and his bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University.

Cole Schotz’s Real Estate practice has earned a national reputation for providing practical and strategic solutions for real estate developers and investors and is regularly cited in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.