International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) announced that Heidi J. Azulay has joined the firm as a partner in the Chicago office. Azulay joins from DLA Piper.

Frequently recognized in national and regional legal rankings, Azulay concentrates her well-regarded practice on transactional real estate, finance law and proptech. She previously served as U.S. co-leader of DLA Piper’s global proptech practice.

Azulay represents real estate investment trusts, emerging growth companies and institutional, commercial and developer clients in acquisitions, dispositions, financings, joint ventures, restructuring, development and leasing deals. Her practice also includes representing a wide variety of borrowers in secured and unsecured REIT and corporate credit facilities, agency financings, construction financings, and in commercial and personal finance transactions, including the acquisition of senior and junior debt.

Her work often spans local, national and global sectors.

“BCLP’s continued focus on building and leveraging its Real Estate Practice was particularly attractive to me,” Azulay commented. “I’m very excited to join the firm and contribute to the practice’s growth.”

Azulay is also experienced in advising on complex transactions related to sports stadium and arena projects, including negotiation of project ground leases and development documents, facility use agreements and financings of such projects.

“We are happy to welcome Heidi to BCLP, where her extensive experience across the real estate sector will quickly enhance BCLP’s global offerings,” said Andrew Auerbach, regional practice group leader for the Real Estate Practice. “As we continue to build our Real Estate Practice across our global platform, Heidi’s diverse skillset and deep experience in the sector will enhance our practice.”