Rachel S. Brown
Real Estate Law
Real Estate Law
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Rachel Brown is a partner in the Real Estate Group in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Her practice focuses on finance, venture formation, acquisitions and dispositions, and development. She advises borrowers and lenders in all types of real estate based financing transactions including first mortgage loans, construction loans, mezzanine financings, credit facilities, subscription facilities and other structured financings. Rachel also represents clients on workouts, loan sales, mortgage and mezzanine foreclosures, and participations. She advises real estate developers in acquisitions and dispositions of real estate assets as well as equity and operating partners in real estate joint venture transactions. Rachel was recognized in the 2011–2022 editions of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, which noted that she “is excellent on the financing side, super responsive, provides creative solutions and minimizes the need for big negotiations” in their 2020 edition and “extremely practical and extremely smart” in their 2019 edition. Prior editions of Chambers USA clients were impressed with her “great knowledge, responsiveness and commercial understanding” as well as her “extraordinary” management skills and her “practicality, timeliness and professionalism.” She was also recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. for Real Estate law in 2013, 2015 and 2018–2022, which cited that she is "scrupulously thorough," and was listed in The Best Lawyers in America in 2018–2019. Rachel Brown is a partner in the Real Estate Group in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Her practice focuses on finance, venture formation, acquisitions and dispositions, and development. She advises borrowers and lenders in all types of real estate based financing transactions including first mortgage loans, construction loans, mezzanine financings, credit facilities, subscription facilities and other structured financings. Rachel also represents clients on workouts, loan sales, mortgage and mezzanine foreclosures, and participations. She advises real estate developers in acquisitions and dispositions of real estate assets as well as equity and operating partners in real estate joint venture transactions. Rachel was recognized in the 2011–2022 editions of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, which noted that she “is excellent on the financing side, super responsive, provides creative solutions and minimizes the need for big negotiations” in their 2020 edition and “extremely practical and extremely smart” in their 2019 edition. Prior editions of Chambers USA clients were impressed with her “great knowledge, responsiveness and commercial understanding” as well as her “extraordinary” management skills and her “practicality, timeliness and professionalism.” She was also recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. for Real Estate law in 2013, 2015 and 2018–2022, which cited that she is "scrupulously thorough," and was listed in The Best Lawyers in America in 2018–2019.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018
David Morales
Engaging Rachel Brown to represent our firm in the acquisition of a multi-use development property in Chicago was the best decision we could have made. Her 25 years of focused real estate experience, particularly in finance and complex acquisitions, were immediately evident. Rachel possesses a rare combination of deep legal acumen and sharp business judgment. She navigated intricate financing structures and venture formation issues with a steady hand, anticipating challenges we hadn't even considered. Her recognition in real estate law is well-deserved. What truly sets her apart is her ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice for our executive team. The transaction had several potential pitfalls, but Rachel's strategic guidance and meticulous attention to detail ensured a smooth closing that protected our interests completely. Her professionalism and responsiveness from her team at Kirkland & Ellis were consistent throughout. We have secured a trusted advisor for all our future real estate ventures.