Kirkland & Ellis has added Wesley Smith as a Partner in its Real Estate Practice Group. He joins the firm from Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he was also a partner.
Smith advises institutional investors, borrowers and lenders on complex real estate debt and equity transactions. His practice is particularly focused on financing the development and construction of data centers and other digital infrastructure assets.
His experience includes the origination and restructuring of mortgage, mezzanine, construction and bridge loans. He also advises on co-lender arrangements and other financing structures involving multiple capital providers.
Mortgage loans are generally secured directly by real estate, while mezzanine financing is typically secured by an ownership interest in the entity that owns the property. Bridge and construction loans provide shorter-term capital for acquisitions, development projects or transitional assets.
Smith works across asset classes including digital infrastructure, hospitality, offices, retail, industrial properties, logistics facilities and multifamily housing. His arrival strengthens Kirkland’s capabilities in real estate transactions involving hybrid capital, which can combine elements of debt and equity.
Digital infrastructure financing has become an increasingly important part of the real estate market as companies invest in data centers, computing capacity and connectivity assets. These projects can require specialized structures because of their significant power, construction and technology requirements.
Kirkland expects Smith to work across the firm’s real estate, finance, private equity and infrastructure practices. The firm said his experience with active investors and developers will support the continued expansion of its digital infrastructure and real assets platform.
Smith was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch from 2021 through 2024. Before entering the legal profession, he served nine years on active duty in the U.S. Army.
His military service included time as a Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment and service as a Staff Sergeant.
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“Wes brings terrific experience and a great reputation for advising on complex real estate transactions including those involving hybrid capital, data centers and digital infrastructure, which have been huge growth areas for the Firm. We look forward to him joining the Kirkland team.”
Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee
“We are thrilled to welcome Wes to our real estate team. He has worked with some of the most active investors and developers on data center and digital infrastructure financings, and his deep knowledge and experience will further strengthen the build out of our preeminent digital infrastructure and real assets practice.”
“Wes is a true leader, and we are excited to include him on our team.”
Kevin Ehrhart, Partner in Kirkland’s Real Estate Practice Group
“The tremendous growth in the data center and digital infrastructure sector has created significant opportunities across the real estate market. I look forward to joining Kirkland’s leading platform and working across the firm to help clients navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.”
Wesley Smith, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis
