Attorneys

Benjamin L. Polakoff is a partner in the Firm's business law department. He concentrates in commercial real estate, banking, and commercial lending law. His commercial real estate practice focuses on the representation of real estate developers in land acquisition, development, financing, and leasing. He advises clients on land use and zoning matters and represents banks and other lenders in commercial financing transactions.

Mr. Polakoff often speaks and publishes articles on commercial real estate topics. His blog, Around the Block: Maryland Real Estate Events and News, has attracted a regular and loyal readership and has been featured in the Baltimore Business Journal. In January 2009, he was named a "Rising Star" in a list of Maryland "Super Lawyers," an annual publication of Key Professional Media, Inc.

Representative Transactions

Mr. Polakoff regularly advises developers, lenders, and other parties in multi-million dollar commercial real estate transactions, business loans, and other matters. In particular, he:

• Represents a regional furniture retailer with over 140 locations in all aspects of leasing and related transactions.
• Represents the developer of one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in Baltimore. The project involves office, sports, entertainment, retail, and inter-modal transportation facilities.
• Has represented regional developers in the acquisition of over 1000 acres of developed and raw land in central Maryland. The transaction included the acquisition of a premier golf course facility and related assets.
• Has represented a regional bank in connection with its $6.7 million loan for construction of a national franchise hotel, the acquisition of related equipment and furnishings, and the refinancing of existing debt.
• Has represented a national bank in a series of SBA 7a loans for the acquisition of a portfolio of 14 national franchise family-style restaurants throughout Maryland and Virginia. The loans totaled approximately $5 million and were secured by both fee simple and leasehold properties.
• Has represented a county government in the leasing of a 680,000-square foot industrial complex.

News and Publications

On July 23, 2009 Ben Polakoff was appointed as Chair of the Baltimore County Bar Association Real Property Committee. The association is the largest local bar association in the State of Maryland. Its Real Property Committee serves the association by educating its members on changes in the law and regulations impacting the real estate industry, and by monitoring relevant legislative developments at the state and local levels.

"Keeping it Real Online: Real estate attorney blogs on the state of the market." January 23, 2009. The Baltimore Business Journal interviews Mr. Polakoff about his commercial real estate blog Around the Block.

"The Nuts and Bolts of Retail Leases: Radius Restrictions." January 22, 2009. Mr. Polakoff co-hosts an educational program for the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Trusts & Estate Law.

"New Lead Paint Law Requires Careful Planning." September 12, 2008, the Baltimore Business Journal. Mr. Polakoff writes on a new Maryland law affecting buyers of properties eligible for the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. (Subscription required.)

In January 2008 Ben Polakoff launched a new blog: Around the Block: Maryland Real Estate Events and News. A resource for the state's commercial real estate community, the site offers a calendar of upcoming CRE events and regular CRE news updates.

"Tenants Must Give Timely Notice." March 10, 2006. On Chesapeake Bank of Maryland v. Monro Muffler⁄Brake Inc. and lease renewal notices. The Gazette of Politics & Business.

"Stay Informed, Active in the Zoning Process." July 4, 2003. On the Baltimore City and Baltimore County zoning codes. The Baltimore Business Journal.

"Subleasing Is Viable Option in Today's Economy." December 6, 2002. On the virtues and mechanics of sublease agreements. The Baltimore Business Journal.