Gain an inside look at how commercial real estate deals come together from three real estate attorneys in Anatomy of a Deal: Breaking Down Real Estate Transactions from a Legal Perspective. This panel will walk through each stage of a transaction, highlighting common challenges, legal considerations, and the collaborative dynamics that drive deals to the finish line.

Moderator: Barrett VonBlon, CBRE 

Barrett is a land acquisition and disposition specialist, serving owners, developers, and end-users across the Houston area. With over nine years of experience, he plays a pivotal role in reinforcing our position as a market leader. His consultative approach--grounded in data-drive in insights and strategic analysis--helps clients unlock maximum value aligned with their long-term goals.

Barrett has achieved notable success in urban infill site transactions, where his strengths in business development and market analysis shine. His core principles of transparency, responsiveness, and attentiveness have earned him a reputation for excellence. By identifying underutilized assets and connecting them with the right developers and end-users. Barrett consistently delivers results that drive growth and transformation.

Prior to joining CBRE, Barrett was Senior Vice President at JLL as a member of the Land Advisory team.

Speakers: 

Thad H. Armstrong, Jackson Walker

Thad Armstrong is a board certified commercial real estate attorney who advises and represents buyers and sellers, developers, landlords and tenants, and sublandlords and subtenants in all facets of their real estate, development, construction, leasing, and subleasing deals and projects. He also advises lenders and borrowers in foreclosures and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. Thad is a “help desk” to his clients, whether they have a question in need of an answer or a problem in need of a solution, he gives straightforward advice without legalese.

Lindsey Kellam Valenta, Jackson Walker 

Lindsey Kellam Valenta is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She practices in the Real Estate section of Jackson Walker’s Houston office. Lindsey is experienced in retail, office, multifamily, industrial, warehouse, mixed-use, and unimproved land. Her practice includes acquiring, selling, leasing, and financing real estate.

Throughout her career, Lindsey has represented a broad range of clients, including developers, investors, borrowers, lenders, landlords, tenants, startups, and Fortune 500 Companies. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, complex portfolio transactions, development transactions, retail and industrial leases, due diligence, title resolution, and coordinating smooth closings for clients.

Mahira Khan, Jackson Walker

Mahira’s practice focuses on commercial leasing, acquisitions and dispositions of office, retail and mixed use projects. Mahira represents both landlords and tenants in negotiating commercial lease agreements for office, retail and ground leases. Her practice also includes representing buyers and sellers in acquisitions and dispositions of undeveloped property, office buildings, retail centers, mixed-use and multifamily use properties.

Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Mahira served as a judicial intern in the Texas First Court of Civil Appeals, and a judicial intern to the Hon. Nancy F. Atlas of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.