Major development projects require more than construction expertise. They demand coordination across government, real estate, finance and community stakeholders to bring a long-term vision to life. In this episode of "Real Estate Law Unlocked," real estate attorneys Jon Cooper and Bo Campbell join government relations attorney James Weaver to examine the legal, political and development realities behind the new Tennessee Titans Stadium project and the broader transformation of Nashville's East Bank. They describe their experience advising one of the players involved in the project and working with government partners and private stakeholders, sharing how plans for the stadium evolved from a renovation effort into a $2.2 billion public-private development. They also talk about the complexities of integrating a major sports venue with a mixed-use district and the strategies used to manage financing, infrastructure, zoning and government approvals while creating a new neighborhood for Nashville.

Understanding New York City's rent stabilization system requires more than knowing the rules. It requires understanding the legislative history, policy shifts and economic pressures that continue to shape multifamily housing in the area. In this episode of Real Estate Law Unlocked, Partner Alex Lycoyannis sits down with Christina Smyth, founding partner of Smyth Levenson LLP and former member of the New York City Rent Guidelines Board, to explore the evolution of rent stabilization from its origins in the 1960s to today. Ms. Smyth describes her tenure on the Rent Guidelines Board and points out key legislative milestones such as the Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, along with the recent rent freeze and ongoing debate over housing affordability, property ownership and the future of New York City's rent-stabilized housing stock.

Eminent domain in Florida moves fast, and trial lawyers who understand valuation, timing and statutory leverage can change the outcome for property owners and businesses. Real Estate attorney Alessandria San Roman speaks with Construction Litigation Partner Benjamin Robinson about Florida's property owner-friendly eminent domain framework, the rise in condemnation activity tied to growth and infrastructure, and the practical steps lawyers should take when a client receives notice of a taking. Mr. Robinson describes an example of a situation involving eminent domain – a highway frontage taking that can leave a restaurant or gas station with reduced visibility, access and parking – then explains that business damages claims demand strong financial records, credible expert testimony and early coordination with experienced counsel. The broader lesson for legal professionals is clear: Effective advocacy in condemnation matters entails prompt case assessment, independent appraisal work and a multidisciplinary strategy as courts and agencies confront disputes over necessity, climate resilience, renewable energy and other fast-evolving public projects.

Cyber incidents can derail deals, expose sensitive data and create significant legal risk long before a transaction reaches the finish line. Real estate attorney Kyla Baker joins data privacy and cybersecurity attorneys Matthew Welling and Neda Shaheen to examine why real estate companies and automotive dealerships remain prime targets for cyber threats and how organizations can prepare for and respond to incidents. Drawing on their experience advising clients through cyber events, they walk through the life cycle of an incident, the importance of practical response planning and tabletop exercises, and the critical role lawyers play in helping organizations manage risk before and after an attack.

Major real estate growth depends on more than new construction; it requires coordinated investment, governance and long-term planning. Land use and zoning attorney Leila Batties speaks with Emeka Moneme, president and CEO of the Navy Yard BID, about how the Business Improvement District (BID) helps shape one of Washington, D.C.,'s fastest-growing mixed-use neighborhoods. Mr. Moneme explains how the BID operates as a public-private partnership, highlights the role of infrastructure investments and sports venues in driving redevelopment, and discusses how zoning, housing policy and future waterfront improvements continue to position Navy Yard as a key engine of economic development.

Leasing to the federal government can offer stable income, but landlords who overlook the rules may face costly surprises. Real Estate attorney Jeff Calk and GSA Leasing & Federal Real Estate Team Leader Gordon Griffin explain the fundamentals of federal real estate leases and highlight the unique requirements that distinguish government tenants from traditional commercial occupants. Drawing on Mr. Griffin's experience advising landlords, developers and real estate investment trusts, they outline six key principles ranging from mandatory government lease forms to SAM.gov registration and termination rights, underscoring the realities of working with a tenant that cannot be evicted. The conversation offers a roadmap for landlords, investors and real estate professionals seeking to understand the risks, requirements and advantages of doing business with the federal government.

Miami's office market rewards tenants who understand both the opportunity and the risks behind the region's growth. In this episode of "Real Estate Law Unlocked," Real Estate attorney Alexa Duarte speaks with Savills Associate Natalie Valdez about the forces driving office leasing activity across South Florida and the strategies tenants can use to secure favorable lease terms. Drawing on examples from Brickell, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Doral and Wynwood, they explain how market dynamics, parking costs, operating expenses and lease negotiations can significantly affect long-term occupancy. This discussion emphasizes that in a fast-moving leasing market, tenants who engage experienced brokers and counsel early, maintain focus on the full context behind occupancy and negotiate strategically are best positioned to secure long-term value and avoid costly surprises.

Major cities have been competing for residents, investment and talent by pairing bold planning with predictable rules, and the District of Columbia is no exception. Land use attorney Kyrus Freeman and Washington, D.C., Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert discuss how the District is working to revitalize downtown, expand housing production and use public-sector tools to attract residents, companies and investors. Ms. Albert points to D.C.'s goal of adding 15,000 downtown residents by 2028, Mayor Muriel Bowser's affordable housing investments and the Gallery Place Chinatown Task Force as examples of how targeted planning, coordinated agencies and focused regulatory reform can help transform downtown into a more active mixed-use center for housing, entertainment and economic growth.