Prominent Commercial Real Estate Attorney Joins Sonnenschein

March 12, 2007

(NEW YORK, March 12, 2007)--Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP today announced the addition of Barbara E. Champoux as a partner in its national Real Estate Group.  Champoux will reside in the law firm’s New York office.

“Barbara will be a great addition to our group, complementing the work of our lodging and hospitality partners in Phoenix and Brussels,” said Gary A. Goodman, chair of Sonnenschein’s New York Real Estate Group.  “With her national reputation, we are very excited about Barbara joining the firm and by the abilities she brings to help broaden our existing client base.”

Champoux has handled a wide variety of transactional, leasing and security matters for a diverse client base.  She concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial real estate transactions, securitization and structured finance, and joint ventures.  Champoux is particularly active in the leisure and lodging industries; she currently represents the world’s largest regional theme park operator, and is intimately involved in aspects related to its operations, acquisitions, development, construction, financing and ancillary matters.

Champoux received a J.D. degree from New York Law School, where she currently teaches real estate transactions and finance as an adjunct professor, and a B.A. degree from Wheaton College in Norton, Mass.  Champoux is also an adjunct professor at New York University’s Real Estate Institute, and a frequent lecturer at professional events and seminars covering such topics as financing, lodging, development, acquisition of distressed assets, and commercial leasing.

“I am eager to expand my practice and Sonnenschein has the resources that will enable me to do it successfully,” said Champoux.  “The national platform and depth that the firm provides will be of great benefit to my clients.  Furthermore, the firm’s commitment to diversity echoes my own passion on the subject.”

Champoux joins Sonnenschein from Sullivan & Worcester LLP.  She was previously a partner at Nixon Peabody LLP.  Champoux is the past president and current board member of the New York Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), a member of the CREW Foundation Grant Making Committee, and an original member of the Women in Hospitality Investment Network.

Sonnenschein serves the legal needs of many of the world’s most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals.  With offices across the United States and a global reach throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we are well positioned to help our clients prosper and grow.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

Media Contact: 

Jeff Mutterperl
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(212) 398-8470
jmutterperl@sonnenschein.com