Polsinelli Enhances REIT Tax Capabilities with Addition of Shareholder Katie LaKoma in Chicago
Highly regarded REIT tax lawyer Katie J. LaKoma has joined Polsinelli’s Chicago office as a shareholder in the firm’s nationally recognized Real Estate and Tax practices. Her arrival enhances the firm’s real estate and REIT tax capabilities and deepens the breadth of services it provides to its fund sponsor, investor and REIT clients on sophisticated real estate transactions and private investment structures.
"Katie's arrival strengthens an already exceptional combination of tax and real estate capabilities with her substantial REIT tax experience," said Chase Simmons, Chairman and CEO of Polsinelli. "Her practice complements our nationally recognized real estate platform while reflecting our continued investment in Chicago and our focus on building capabilities that align with client demand."
LaKoma advises on tax-efficient structures for U.S. real estate investments and the tax aspects of sophisticated real estate transactions. She represents real estate fund sponsors, investment advisors, REITs and institutional real estate investors, including taxable, tax-exempt and non-U.S. investors, such as sovereign wealth funds.
"Katie brings a sophisticated understanding of the tax issues that drive investment decisions, fund formation and transactional strategy," said Bill Sanders, Chair of Polsinelli's Tax Practice. "Her experience advising fund sponsors, investment managers, REITs and institutional investors strengthens our ability to help clients structure investments and transactions efficiently while navigating an increasingly complex tax landscape.”
She advises clients on all aspects of REIT taxation, including REIT formation and operations, acquisitions and dispositions, prohibited transaction planning and securities offerings. She also advises on partnership taxation and the structuring of tax-efficient real estate funds and other investment vehicles, and regularly counsels clients on sophisticated joint venture transactions and inbound U.S. real estate investments, including FIRPTA and other cross-border tax considerations.
Real Estate Shareholder Barbara Trachtenberg added: “I am thrilled to be working with Katie again. She brings an exceptional combination of technical tax knowledge, industry insight and practical problem-solving skills that will be invaluable to real estate investors, fund sponsors, REITs and developers. Katie's arrival reflects our continued commitment to building a premier real estate platform that meets the increasingly sophisticated needs of our clients.”
“Polsinelli’s reputation in real estate is outstanding, and I’m excited about what this combination means for clients,” said LaKoma. “By pairing my REIT and real estate tax practice with Polsinelli’s nationally recognized real estate practice, we can offer clients an even more comprehensive approach to U.S. real estate investment. I am also thrilled to reunite with Barbara Trachtenberg and several former colleagues on the real estate side and look forward building on the momentum we’ve already established.”
An active participant in the real estate and tax communities, LaKoma is involved with organizations including NAREIT, The Real Estate Roundtable and the National Association of Women Lawyers. She is also a frequent writer and speaker on developments affecting REITs, real estate funds and tax-efficient investment structures.
LaKoma earned her J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law and her B.A., with distinction, from the University of Michigan.
