Pennessi of Greenberg Traurig designated as LEED AP by the USGBC

Greenberg Traurig attorney Daniel Pennessi, in the real estate practice of the area's office, has been designated as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Pennessi represents institutions and individuals in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions and has wide-ranging experience in urban redevelopment and revitalization projects, including public/private partnerships The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. As a LEED AP, he is able to advise clients on the many incentive-based and regulatory requirements pertaining to green building and assist in navigating the LEED certification process. Pennessi is one of only 17 legal LEED APs in New York registered with the USGBC. "Dan's LEED AP designation is an asset to the firm as it allows us to better assist clients in implementing sustainable development initiatives, as well as assisting in dispute resolution involving these green initiatives," said Thomas Leslie, managing shareholder of the firm's White Plains office. "Dan now serves as an important resource for all clients involved with or connected to the green building industry. His expertise can help maximize opportunities and minimize risks in this emerging field." Pennessi's experience with real estate transactions includes the acquisition, development, leasing and disposition of a variety of asset classes, together with the financing thereof. In addition, he advises financial institutions specializing in asset based lending and revolving credit and term loan facilities, and has experience acting as loan seller's counsel to investment banks in the securitization of commercial mortgage loans. Pennessi serves as the executive treasurer of the Urban Land Institute's Westchester/Fairfield District Council and will assume the chairperson position in July, 2009 for a two-year tenure. Pennessi holds a J.D. and Environmental Certificate, cum laude, from Pace University School of Law and a B.S.B.A. in Finance from Stonehill College. Greenberg Traurig is an international, full-service law firm with 1,800 attorneys and governmental affairs professionals in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The firm was selected as the 2007 USA Law Firm of the Year by Chambers and Partners. For additional information, visit the firm's website at www.gtlaw.com