Commercial Real Estate Leasing, Operations & Franchising
Real Estate
Lease Negotiation, Portfolio Management, and Franchise-Related Real Estate Matters
WH Burkley advises landlords, tenants, developers, franchisees, and business operators on commercial leasing and operational real estate matters. We provide practical, business-focused counsel to help clients structure lease agreements, manage portfolios, support expansion initiatives, and address day-to-day operational issues.
Leasing arrangements are central to the long-term performance of real estate assets and business operations. We work closely with clients to negotiate agreements that align with business objectives, manage risk, and support ongoing growth and operations.
Lease Negotiation and Documentation
• Drafting and negotiating commercial lease agreements
• Representing landlords and tenants in office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use leasing
• Structuring lease terms to address operational and financial considerations
• Advising on renewals, extensions, and amendments
Portfolio Management and Strategy
• Managing multi-property and multi-tenant leasing portfolios
• Standardizing lease forms and negotiation strategies
• Supporting institutional landlords and repeat leasing programs
• Advising on portfolio performance and risk allocation
Franchise & Multi-Location Operations
• Advising franchisees and multi-unit operators on site selection and expansion initiatives
• Negotiating leases for retail, restaurant, hospitality, and service-based businesses
• Managing occupancy, assignment, and transfer matters across multiple locations
• Supporting growth strategies through coordinated leasing and portfolio management
• Aligning real estate decisions with operational and business objectives
Operational and Day-to-Day Matters
• Addressing lease interpretation and enforcement issues
• Advising on defaults, disputes, and remedial strategies
• Supporting property management and tenant relations
• Handling assignment, sublease, and consent matters
Tenant and Occupancy Strategy
• Advising tenants on occupancy and expansion strategies
• Negotiating build-to-suit and customized leasing arrangements
• Coordinating leasing with broader business operations
• Aligning leasing decisions with long-term strategic goals
Integration with Transactions and Development
• Coordinating leasing with acquisitions and dispositions
• Supporting leasing strategies in development projects
• Aligning lease structures with financing requirements
• Integrating operational considerations into asset management plans
Practice Group Leader
Tyler S. Bobes, Chair
Tyler’s practice is national in scope, and he serves as a trusted advisor to publicly traded companies, Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs), private equity funds, lenders, family offices and other private and public developers and owners of commercial real estate.
216.928.2891
Our Approach
- Align leasing strategies with each client’s operational, occupancy, and investment objectives
- Move matters forward efficiently from site selection and negotiation through execution and ongoing operations
- Coordinate across real estate, corporate, financing, and development considerations
- Focus on managing risk while supporting long-term asset performance and portfolio growth
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and practical execution
Why WH Burkley
- Experience representing landlords, tenants, owners, operators, and franchisees across a wide range of commercial assets
- Practical guidance in leasing, portfolio management, and operational real estate matters
- Ability to support multi-location, growth-oriented, and franchise-related businesses
- Integration with acquisitions, development, financing, zoning, hospitality, and corporate capabilities
- Responsive, partner-level service focused on operational and investment objectives
Recognition
Chambers & Partners | USA
- Band 2 – Real Estate (Ohio)
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Construction Law
- Band 1 – Real Estate Law
- Band 2 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 2 – Litigation – Real Estate
- Band 3 – Litigation – Construction
- Band 3 – Litigation – Environmental
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Real Estate Law
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 3 – Banking and Finance Law
- Band 3 – Litigation – Real Estate
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.