New York, NY Tracey Leitman, a real estate attorney known for her national practice in real estate finance and development, has joined Ballard Spahr as of counsel in the firm’s New York City office, according to firm chair Mark Stewart. Leitman has practiced in the New York metropolitan area for almost 30 years. She focuses on real estate finance transactions and has structured and closed loans for retention by lenders as well as loans to be securitized in numerous large-scale deals. She handles sophisticated multistate and large-portfolio lending transactions, including mezzanine, bridge, and construction loans. Her experience also includes conveyance, construction, management, and leasing of complex commercial, retail, and residential projects, including shopping centers and hotels. “Tracey’s addition to our real estate practice in New York gives us even greater presence in that crucial market,” said Dominic De Simone, chair of Ballard Spahr’s nationally acclaimed real estate finance practice. “She’s a superb attorney who shares our dedication to excellence and client service, and her practice complements our strengths in New York and nationally.” Ballard Spahr’s New York-based real estate lawyers help clients navigate real estate-related legal issues, encompassing development, construction, conveyance, and finance, for clients including developers, lenders and investors, and corporations with real estate needs. Ballard Spahr is home to one of the largest and most diversified real estate practices in the nation, with more than 115 attorneys nationwide providing strategic representation through every phase of a project. The firm offers specialized services in development and complex real estate transactions, real estate finance and capital markets transactions, affordable housing and housing-related finance, hotels and resorts, and timeshare products. “Ballard’s national platform and outstanding lawyers in New York and across the country fit perfectly with my practice,” Leitman said. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues to provide our clients with excellent, proactive legal services that help them maximize their business opportunities.” In addition to its real estate group, Ballard Spahr’s New York office is home to attorneys who are recognized leaders in litigation, consumer financial services, and bankruptcy. They advise many of the nation’s largest and best-known companies on issues involving white collar defense, securities litigation, corporate restructuring, antitrust, and banking regulatory compliance.