Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced on Aug. 6, 2026, the appointment of Grant Puleo as a shareholder in its San Diego office. The move strengthens the firm's California Real Estate Practice by adding an attorney with deep experience in complex commercial real estate transactions across the United States. Puleo joins from Duane Morris, bringing a practice focused on multifamily and student housing sectors, which aligns with the firm's strategic growth objectives in the region.

Puleo's arrival enhances the capabilities of Greenberg Traurig's California real estate team, which now includes more than 50 attorneys. His addition follows recent hires of San Diego Shareholder Robert J. Brown and San Francisco Shareholders Eric Hieber and Ann (Seung-Eun) Lee. The expansion supports the firm's effort to build a full-service office with strength across key practice areas, enabling it to serve clients locally and nationwide.

Practice Focus and Expertise

Puleo advises clients on acquisitions, development, construction, syndications, dispositions, leasing, and financing matters. His portfolio covers a wide range of product types, including multifamily, student housing, office, hospitality, retail, industrial, and data centers. As a skilled trial attorney, he offers clients both transactional depth and courtroom experience, allowing him to manage risk throughout the lifecycle of a transaction.

His practice often focuses on multifamily and student housing transactions, where he advises on acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, and portfolio management. He also represents borrowers and lenders in complex real estate finance transactions and advises private equity and investment fund clients on investment, financing, and joint venture matters.

Leadership Commentary

Gregory A. Fishman, Global Real Estate Practice Co-Chair at Greenberg Traurig, stated that Puleo's work across commercial real estate transactions, finance, and dispute resolution enhances the firm's ability to help clients navigate complex transactions. Fishman highlighted Puleo's substantial experience in the student housing and multifamily sectors as particularly valuable for achieving client business objectives.

San Diego Co-Managing Shareholders Ellen M. Bronchetti and John P. Cleary said in a joint statement that Puleo brings a sophisticated practice that strengthens the office's ability to serve clients. They noted his reputation in the market and his contribution to building a full-service office with strength across key practice areas.

Background and Academic Roles

Puleo serves as an adjunct professor at California Western School of Law. He is the author of "Closing the Deal: A Practical Guide to Commercial Real Estate Transactions," published by Practising Law Institute. He earned his J.D., with Great Distinction, from the University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law and a B.A. from San Diego State University.

What the Numbers Show

The addition of Puleo reflects a targeted expansion of Greenberg Traurig's real estate capabilities in California. With more than 50 attorneys in the state's real estate team and recent additions in both San Diego and San Francisco, the firm is consolidating its presence in key West Coast markets. This growth strategy leverages specialized sector expertise, particularly in multifamily and student housing, to capture market share in complex transactional environments.

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced on July 29, 2026, that it has strengthened its Construction Law Practice with the addition of William ("Bill") J. Shaughnessy as a shareholder in its Atlanta office. The appointment aims to enhance the firm's capabilities in real estate, digital infrastructure, and energy projects, providing clients with deeper expertise in both transactional matters and high-stakes litigation across the Southeast and nationally.

Shaughnessy joins Greenberg Traurig from Jones Walker, where he advised owners, developers, contractors, and investors on complex construction and infrastructure projects. Admitted to practice in both Georgia and Texas, he represents clients in the public and private sectors throughout the United States and internationally. His practice covers the full project lifecycle, including contract negotiation, risk management, dispute resolution, arbitration, and trial.

Ernest LaMont Greer, Co-President of Greenberg Traurig and a Litigation Practice shareholder based in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., highlighted Shaughnessy's trial experience. "Bill is a proven construction litigator with deep first-chair trial and arbitration experience across a broad spectrum of complex projects and disputes," Greer said. He noted that Shaughnessy's ability to deliver practical counsel complements the firm's Global Real Estate Practice, enhancing service for owners, developers, and investors.

Shaughnessy's expertise includes handling high-stakes construction disputes involving schedule impacts, design issues, contract performance, and project delivery challenges. He regularly manages matters with significant exposure and multiple stakeholders in arbitration, at trial, and on appeal. Additionally, he advises on major infrastructure developments, negotiating procurement agreements for projects valued in the billions of dollars, with particular strength in power generation, manufacturing, transportation, and data centers.

Robert L. Crewdson, Chair of Greenberg Traurig's Atlanta Construction Law Practice, welcomed Shaughnessy to the team. "Bill is one of those lawyers who impresses you from the moment you meet him," Crewdson said, citing his judgment and commitment to client service. Shaughnessy expressed excitement about joining the firm's global platform and collaborative culture, noting the attractiveness of its combined transactional and litigation strengths.

Key Details of Appointment

Greenberg Traurig, LLP operates approximately 3,200 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm was recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" by general counsel and is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400 lists.