2026 Rainmakers in CRE Debt, Equity & Finance

Leo Leyva has built a reputation as one of the go-to legal minds in commercial real estate finance, shaping some of the most intricate capital stacks and restructurings in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and beyond. His track record during the past three years alone includes leading more than $1 billion in CRE finance transactions, underscoring both his deal volume and his ability to perform in high-stakes environments.

Leyva’s work on marquee transactions illustrates how he moves complex deals from concept to closing while protecting his clients’ positions. He advised 60 Guilders LLC on the joint venture acquisition of 180 Water Street, a luxury multifamily property in New York City, coordinating a $100 million mezzanine loan in default and a $280 million mortgage refinance across simultaneous real estate, corporate, and tax closings. He also structured a $225 million senior and junior mezzanine loan facility for G4 Capital Partners. He led a $155 million multi-lender construction financing for Flow House, a 40‑story ultra-luxury tower in Miami, reflecting his facility with layered financings and cross-jurisdictional due diligence.

Leyva’s influence is equally visible in strategic acquisitions and transitional assets that require creativity around risk and capital structure. He helped engineer the $75.25 million purchase of 1370 Broadway, including a $72 million loan for renovations, as well as a $35 million mixed-use loan in Flushing, a $30 million acquisition from Beth Israel Medical Center involving complex ground lease issues, and a $22.75 million pre-development note-on-note financing in Washington D.C. These matters showcase his ability to unlock value in transitional and repositioning scenarios through innovative structuring and careful coordination among multiple stakeholders.

At Cole Schotz, Leyva leads the real estate practice, counseling clients on sophisticated commercial transactions, zoning and land-use matters, and regulatory compliance for large-scale developments. He is known inside the firm for balancing precise legal drafting with business-oriented judgment and for mentoring junior attorneys, helping shape the next generation of CRE finance lawyers.

Leyva’s standing in the market is reinforced by repeated recognition from Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, Lawdragon 500, Benchmark Litigation, and Super Lawyers, reflecting peer and client consensus on his stature as a top-tier practitioner. Beyond his professional practice, he channels his expertise into civic and charitable work, including legal guidance and support for Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Family Promise, where he helps organizations navigate property-related challenges in the service of veterans and families facing homelessness.

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