About Alvin Katz

Described as "an absolutely first-class lawyer" with "tremendous expertise in fund formation and joint ventures" by industry publications such as The Legal 500 US, Alvin Katz has been helping real estate investors and developers close their most important deals for more than 40 years. Over that time he has worked with virtually every real estate asset class, including office buildings, multi-family properties, data centers, industrial facilities, mixed-use developments, senior housing, student housing, retail centers, hotels and health care facilities. Through multiple real estate cycles, in good times and bad, Alvin’s experience and judgment have guided his clients to achieve their goals.

"Outstanding . . . as good as it gets"

Alvin is consistently ranked in the top tier of Chicago real estate lawyers by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, which quotes clients praising his "exceptional intelligence" and describe him as "a really good lawyer with great business sense," "[f]antastic … stellar at explaining key points during transactions … a go to lawyer who is at the top of his game" and "a smart and sophisticated attorney who absolutely deserves his top-tier ranking" whose "experience is nearly unparalleled." Alvin is a frequent speaker at real estate industry conferences and continuing education programs for lawyers and real estate professionals. In recognition of his accomplishments in real estate law he has been selected for membership in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.

Practice Focus

  • Real estate transactions
  • Joint ventures and partnerships
  • Acquisitions and dispositions
  • Debt and equity financings
  • Management and leasing transactions

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • Stanford University Law School, JD
  • University of Michigan, BA, magna cum laude with honors in Economics
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Community Involvements
  • Ravinia Festival, Trustee
  • Chicago Architecture Center, Trustee Emeritus
  • Chicago Furniture Bank, Board of Directors
  • Economic Club of Chicago
  • Urban Land Institute
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers
  • Best Lawyers in America
    Real Estate Law, 2006–2025
  • Chambers USA
    Real Estate, 2004–2024
  • Guide to the World's Leading Real Estate Lawyers
  • Leading Lawyers Network
    2003–2024
    Top 100 Real Estate-Related Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
    Illinois, 2005–2024
  • The International Who's Who of Real Estate Lawyers
    2014–2021
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2019–2020, 2022–2023
  • Who's Who Legal
    Real Estate
Award Methodologies