Porter Hedges announced on Thursday that the firm has hired real estate partner Tracey Reisman Gerber to join the Houston firm.
Gerber, who was most recently at Schlanger, Silver, Barg & Paine, represents major regional and national developers, landlords, tenants, owners and investors in complex commercial real estate transactions.
“Our real estate section is involved in some of the largest commercial transactions in Houston and [Tracey’s] experience is an ideal complement to the core strengths of our practice,” Rob Reedy, managing partner of Porter Hedges, said in a statement.
The Texas Lawbook conducted a Q&A with Gerber about her decision to join Porter Hedges.
The Lawbook: What brought you and PH together?
Gerber: Synergy and timing. Both Porter Hedges and I were prepared to expand our respective practices and the timing and fit were just right. I always held the firm in high regard and am excited about the opportunity to join the real estate team at Porter Hedges.
The Lawbook: Have you and PH worked together in the past?
Gerber: The real estate world tends to be somewhat small, especially in Houston, so our paths have crossed on a few different deals. I was always impressed with the people I encountered and the work product put forth.
The Lawbook: What are two or three prominent or important matters that you have handled in the past?
Gerber: I have assisted developers, landlords, and management companies develop and lease several prominent buildings in the Houston area, from the Galleria, to Greenway Plaza, to Downtown. I just recently assisted in representing two very prominent sports team owners in the lease negotiation of a down town arena for the first E-Sports Venue in the State of Texas. I also enjoyed acting as a point of contact and attorney in the negotiation of several restaurant leases with James Beard award winning chefs in and around town. Lastly I represented a well-known retail chain in their initial American expansion, negotiating over 250 leases from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between.
The Lawbook: Are there any existing matter that you are handling that we are able to note?
Gerber: I am currently representing a well-known property developer in the negotiation of office leases for recently acquired or developed sky scrapers and mid rises.
The Lawbook: What distinguishes you from others in your practice area?
Gerber: First and foremost, I have been blessed to be trained and mentored by some of the best real estate attorneys in the country. Over the past 15 years I have had the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working on very complicated and challenging real estate lease transactions with incredibly talented people. At this point in my career, I pride myself on being a trusted counselor to my clients that they rely on to effectively communicate their positions, draft legal language to effectuate same, and maintain their confidence that I can bridge most gaps through negotiation or drafting in order to get the deal done and closed.
The Lawbook: Do you have any specific interests?
Gerber: I am active member of the PTO at my children’s school, and my husband and I are active in our community. I also enjoy taking parts in numerous women’s initiatives to bring attention to the wonderful group of diverse female professionals in the Houston area. Porter Hedges has a great Women’s Initiative and I am excited to get more involved with that group as well.
The Lawbook: What is something about you that clients should know?
Gerber: I think the most important thing to know about me as an attorney is that I am fully devoted to protecting and getting results for my clients and I always give 100% to achieve that goal.