Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer elevates Dan Berman to managing partner of U.S. real estate

Manhattan, NY Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) has announced that Dan Berman, a long-standing leader within the firm’s real estate practice, has been elevated to managing partner of U.S. real estate. His appointment follows the June 2025 merger of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin, making him one of six managing partners overseeing the combined firm’s U.S. operations.

With nearly two decades of experience, Berman is a trusted advisor to opportunistic investors, developers, public companies and hedge funds nationwide. His recent work includes several billion-dollar transactions involving sports and entertainment venues and hyperscale data center developments, a REBNY “Most Ingenious Deal of the Year” winner, and major recapitalizations involving distressed assets such as large office buildings in New York and other bustling metropolitan areas. He’s also developed a national reputation for structuring complex redevelopment projects for religious and not-for-profit institutions.

"It’s an honor to step into this role at such a pivotal time for the firm," said Berman. "The merger brought together two incredibly strong real estate practices, and with that comes both significant opportunity and responsibility. I’m looking forward to working closely with my global partners to continue delivering the kind of thoughtful, solutions-oriented counsel our clients expect from us."

Beyond his client work, Berman is deeply engaged in the industry and broader community. He serves on the board of the Brown University Real Estate Group and the not-for-profit SparkYouth, sits on the Urban Land Institute’s Mixed-Use Council, is a member of the Real Estate Roundtable, and mentors through the Zell-Lurie Real Estate program at the Wharton School.