Michael Rechtin Joins Latham & Watkins to Revolutionize Digital Infrastructure Legal Services
Michael Rechtin Joins Latham & Watkins
In a significant move for the legal and digital infrastructure sector, Michael Rechtin has recently joined Latham & Watkins LLP as a partner in the firm's Chicago office. With over 30 years of experience, Rechtin has established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of real estate and technology, particularly in data center operations and digital infrastructure projects.
Rechtin's vast expertise encompasses a wide array of complex real estate transactions across various asset classes. He has represented developers, private equity firms, and other capital providers in navigating the nuances of leasing agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions, and other critical transactions related to data centers. His insights have proven invaluable in striking deals that span from co-location facilities to large megawatt data centers, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of the digital infrastructure landscape.
Mary Rose Alexander, the Office Managing Partner at Latham & Watkins in Chicago, expressed her enthusiasm about Rechtin's addition to the team. She believes that his in-depth knowledge and collaborative approach make him an ideal fit for the firm, perfectly complementing the extensive client services they offer not just in Chicago, but on a global scale.
Hilary Strong, who co-leads the interdisciplinary Data Center Team at Latham, emphasized Rechtin's exceptional standing within the legal marketplace, highlighting his reputation as one of the elite leasing lawyers specializing in data centers. His involvement is viewed as a crucial addition to the firm's existing offerings aimed at private capital providers and project developers in this fast-evolving sector. Strong stated that Rechtin's skills in leasing bolster their capabilities in capital solutions, finance, and development within the data center industry.
Furthermore, Michelle Kelban, the Global Chair of Latham & Watkins' Real Estate Practice, articulated the importance of viewing real estate and infrastructure as interconnected components, which Michael embodies. His strategic vision and technical expertise will enable Latham to provide a full lifecycle service offering to clients involved in digital infrastructure, thereby positioning the firm uniquely within a competitive market.
Rechtin, who previously worked with DLA Piper, received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Expressing his excitement about joining Latham, he acknowledged the firm’s distinguished reputation in real estate and infrastructure practice and the potential for innovation within their integrated global framework.
This strategic recruitment reflects Latham & Watkins' commitment to delivering holistic legal solutions in the rapidly advancing digital infrastructure sector, underscoring its status as a leading firm for complex transactions and the evolving technological landscape affecting the industry.
As the demand for data centers and digital infrastructure continues to grow, Michael Rechtin’s addition to Latham & Watkins could not have come at a better time. His involvement signals a strengthened commitment to providing exceptional legal services tailored to the unique challenges faced by clients in this thriving arena.