Greenberg Traurig Enhances Global Hospitality Efforts with New Mexico and Phoenix Attorneys

Greenberg Traurig Expands Global Hospitality Practice

In a strategic move to enhance its hospitality and real estate practices, global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has recently made significant additions to its talent roster in Phoenix and Mexico. This expansion aligns with their commitment to strengthen their cross-border capabilities in hospitality and real estate sectors, particularly focusing on Mexico's growing markets.

Carlos A. Sugich has been appointed as co-chair of the Americas Hospitality Group, taking the lead for this practice in both Phoenix and Mexico. Alongside him, Carlos Freaner has joined as a shareholder in Mexico. Both attorneys bring a wealth of experience from their previous affiliation with Snell & Wilmer, where they specialized in international matters related to real estate and hospitality.

Greenberg Traurig’s Mexico City office, already housing over 70 attorneys, further benefits from this expansion as Sugich establishes a new presence in Los Cabos. Known for his leadership, he previously spearheaded the launch of his former firm's office in Los Cabos nearly twenty years ago, showcasing his deep regional knowledge and connections in the hospitality sector.

Brian L. Duffy, CEO of Greenberg Traurig, commented on the importance of these strategic hires. He stated, “This expansion of our global hospitality and real estate platform in Phoenix and Mexico reflects our continued investment in key markets where our clients need us the most. The addition of these attorneys not only fortifies our cross-border capabilities but also enhances our overall ability to cater to clients operating across the United States, Mexico, and beyond.”

Sugich's impressive background includes over twenty years of experience in complex domestic and international transactions, focusing primarily on hospitality and resort development. His expertise equips him to advise various stakeholders, including developers and institutional investors, on a wide range of transactional matters such as acquisitions, financing, and operational decisions. Sugich is particularly well-versed in advising on projects that involve master-planned communities and resort lifestyle developments, which often include intricate club membership structures.

Carlos Freaner complements Sugich’s extensive background with his own experience in hospitality-related real estate transactions within Mexico. He has a track record of working with both national and international clients, including hotel operators and developers, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and developments specific to luxury resorts, golf courses, and substantial community projects. His in-depth knowledge of financing arrangements adds another layer of expertise to the firm’s offerings.

The introduction of Sugich and Freaner to Greenberg Traurig embodies a synergistic approach to expanding the firm’s service capabilities. Michael J. Baum, co-president of Greenberg Traurig, praised Sugich as a familiar figure within the firm due to his collaborations with their teams over the years. Baum noted, “His deep market knowledge, collaborative approach, and longstanding client relationships make him a natural fit for our platform.”

Sugich is not just a legal figurehead; he actively engages with the Phoenix community. As a past president of the Thunderbirds, a nonprofit organization known for its charitable contributions throughout the Valley, his dedication to community welfare reflects Greenberg Traurig's ethos of giving back. Moreover, as the former tournament chairman of the WM Phoenix Open, he showcases his commitment to fostering local initiatives.

Both Sugich and Freaner shared their enthusiasm about joining Greenberg Traurig. Sugich remarked, “We are eager to collaborate with our new colleagues as we amplify the firm’s footprint in Phoenix and Los Cabos. By leveraging the firm’s extensive global platform, we aim to enhance our hospitality and real estate services for clients across vital U.S. and international markets.”

This strategic expansion exemplifies Greenberg Traurig's continued focus on meeting its clients' evolving needs across varying geographies and sectors, reinforcing its position as a leader in the legal field. With Sugich and Freaner onboard, the firm is well-equipped to tackle the intricacies of hospitality, real estate, and development in a cross-border context, promising robust support for clients operating in these sectors.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP stands as a significant player in the global legal landscape, employing approximately 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations worldwide, with consistent recognition as a top firm in the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500 lists.