Ice Miller Expands with Industry Expert Juan D. Reyes III to Enhance Real Estate Services
Ice Miller Expands Its Real Estate Expertise
Ice Miller, a prominent national law firm, has announced the appointment of Juan D. Reyes III, a distinguished lawyer with vast experience in real estate and public infrastructure. This addition significantly enhances the firm's capabilities in navigating the complex landscape of land use, development, finance, and regulatory challenges in today's fluctuating real estate sector.
Reyes, who joins the firm’s midtown New York office, has a robust history of both public and private sector leadership. His background includes serving as the acting head and chief counsel of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation. Here, he led a sizable team of 950 and managed an impressive budget of $3 billion, providing legal counsel on a range of key issues affecting U.S. passenger and freight rail.
This new appointment positions Reyes to leverage his deep understanding of federal, state, and local regulations, particularly in areas such as zoning, planning, and building standards. He is renowned for his ability to assist clients in a variety of matters, including historic preservation projects and both large-scale urban and rural developments. With his extensive knowledge of governmental approvals and funding mechanisms, Reyes aims to navigate complex hurdles for clients seeking to advance their real estate ventures.
"Juan is a powerhouse in the real estate world and highly regarded among his peers," stated Ice Miller's Chief Managing Partner, Michael Millikan. "His wealth of experience will open new doors for our clients both in New York and nationwide."
Reyes has worked alongside a skilled team of private equity attorneys at Ice Miller, helping clients successfully navigate the various stages of the investment cycle. His diverse transactional experience spans real estate development, construction, and transportation financing, equipping him with the insights necessary to craft tailored strategies for clients in the industry.
In his role with the FRA, Reyes played an instrumental part in supporting multi-billion dollar rail upgrades, including a significant $24 billion project aimed at improving the Northeast corridor. His leadership here extended to critical projects such as the Hudson Tunnel Environmental Impact Statements and the development of federally funded Amtrak stations across major cities.
Moreover, his work extended to cutting-edge transportation technologies, where he was involved in the regulatory development of innovative ideas like Elon Musk’s Hyperloop and Electric Skate. Reyes has also been influential in discussions around autonomous vehicles and electric transportation at the federal level.
At Ice Miller, Reyes' clientele ranges from residential and commercial developers to real estate investment trusts (REITs), educational institutions, and corporate enterprises. His ability to forge strong relationships with New York's administrative entities and legislative leaders enables him to adeptly navigate the intricacies of regulatory approvals, ensuring that clients achieve their development goals efficiently.
In summary, with Juan D. Reyes III on board, Ice Miller is set to enhance its already formidable standing in the real estate market. His unique blend of expertise in both public and private sectors will provide invaluable support to clients in facing the multifaceted challenges of today's real estate landscape.