Seasoned real estate attorney and Honorary French Consul of Arizona Gerrit M. Steenblik joined Polsinelli Shughart as a shareholder in the Real Estate department. Steenblik focuses his practice in real estate finance and transactions. Prior to joining Polsinelli Shughart, Steenblik practiced at another Phoenix law firm where he chaired the Real Estate department, International Law practice group and Recruiting committee.
“Gerrit is a great addition to our growing firm,” said Phoenix Managing Partner Ed Novak. “He has an outstanding reputation in both the real estate and legal communities. Gerrit is a true legal talent, a real community leader and a tremendous addition to Polsinelli Shughart.”
The firm’s national Real Estate department includes more than 60 attorneys in Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York City, Overland Park, Phoenix, and St. Louis. The firm has been recognized each of the last four years by Midwest Real Estate News as one of the top six law firms in an eleven-state area based upon the number of real estate transactions handled during those years.
Over a 34-year career, Steenblik has represented developers, investors and financial institutions in complex real estate transactions, including acquisition, development, leasing and financing, and, more recently, restructuring of loans. He has also negotiated and documented ground leases, construction loans and permanent financing on Indian reservations and advised clients in litigation arising out of complex real estate and lending transactions.
“Polsinelli Shughart is an exceptional platform to grow a practice,” said Steenblik. “Its substantial client base, number of experienced attorneys, and deliberate, smart growth make it an exciting place to be. I’m honored to join a firm of this caliber that is committed to adding value for its clients.”
Steenblik is fluent in French, lived in French-speaking West Africa from 2001-2003 and traveled extensively in Cote d’lvoire, Togo, Benin and Cameroon. As Honorary Consul, Steenblik has hosted several distinguished French visitors to Arizona, including:
• Former Ambassador to the U.S., Jean-David Levitte, the diplomatic advisor and “sherpa” to President Nicolas Sarkozy
• Professor Jean-Michel Dubernard, the distinguished French surgeon who accomplished the first partial face transplant
• Consul General David Martinon from Los Angeles, former “porte parole” for President Sarkozy.
In 2006, the French government knighted Steenblik for his meritorious service as a Chevalier de l’Ordre Nationale de Mérite, its second-highest civilian award
Polsinelli Shughart attorneys have deep roots in Arizona’s legal, civic and business communities. Steenblik, for example, has previously served as President of the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, Chair of the Grenoble Sister Cities Committee, and President of the Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association.
Steenblik graduated with honors from Brigham Young University Law School and earned his Honors Degree in Accounting from the University of Utah.
Steenblik is an excellent source for reporters working on stories about:
• Real Estate Development – Acquisitions, financing, as well as trends
• Real Estate Finance – Trends, options, ownership vs. leasing
• France – French-American relations
• West Africa – Political trends and real life perspectives
For more information contact Phoenix Marketing Manager Molly Edwards at
About Polsinelli Shughart
With more than 540 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart (www.polsinelli.com) is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business law, financial services, real estate and business litigation. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients, Polsinelli is redefining the business of law by sharing ideas, goals and outcomes with its clients. The firm builds enduring relationships by creating value through our legal services - with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency. The firm has offices located in Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Edwardsville; Jefferson City; Kansas City; Los Angeles; New York; Overland Park; Phoenix; Springfield; St. Joseph; St. Louis; Topeka; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. In California, Polsinelli Shughart LLP.