The Firm: This group is making significant strides in the sector and has made a name for itself as a leading finance adviser on the acquisitions of hotel properties. The team has expertise in issues including corporate, real estate, labor, tax and environment, and is working on a number of sophisticated restructurings of existing investments for owners, operators, investors and lenders. The firm has also handled significant hotel deals in Europe and Asia; it is currently representing Baha Mar Development on a $2.7 billion project to develop the largest casino and resort property in the Caribbean.

Sources Say:"The practice is sophisticated, with a number of smart, hardworking partners and associates with international experience. The group gives sound and relevant advice and is able to work through the business implications with great efficiency."

Key Individuals: New York-based Michael Feldman is co-head of the lodging and gaming group, and has devoted 25 years to the industry. He works on hotel management contracts and joint ventures, and played a significant role in the Baha Mar development. He is "a lawyer that inspires a lot of confidence in a client." Operating out of the Boca Raton office, Andrew Robins is a leader on structuring and developing urban mixed use projects and an authority on branded residential and condominium hotels. Jeffrey Horwitz leads the practice in New York alongside Feldman and is currently representing Gehr Development in the negotiation of hotel management agreements. Clients commend him as a "savvy and tough negotiator: an ideal choice in difficult situations.'"