Rachel S.K. Bates
Rachel Bates, Global Co-Chair of Latham’s Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Industry Group, advises clients on all aspects of their most complex and significant real estate transactions across a variety of asset classes, with a particular focus on the hospitality industry. She previously served as Global Vice Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice. A nationally regarded real estate lawyer, Rachel serves a broad range of market participants, including private equity sponsors, developers, leading hospitality brands, family offices, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and institutional investors. She frequently serves as a go-to advisor to real estate owners, operators, and developers on every facet of complex transactions. Rachel’s practice includes: Single asset and portfolio acquisitions and dispositions Development projects, including public-private partnerships Joint ventures and other preferred equity structured vehicles Financings, including mortgage, mezzanine, construction, and bridge financings Management, franchise, and development agreements Acquisitions of distressed debt Repositioning of distressed assets through recapitalization or negotiated workouts A versatile practitioner, Rachel brings particular experience advising both owner and brand-side clients in the hospitality industry. Rachel delivers business-minded counsel to clients, with a focus on developing thoughtful and creative solutions. She helps clients mitigate potential risks while achieving their strategic objectives. Rachel also frequently advises clients on a pro bono basis. Her work includes child guardianship matters, U Visa cases, as well as affordable housing-related matters on behalf of the Chicago Community Loan Fund. Rachel is a member of CREW Chicago, an organization for senior-level executive women in the Chicago real estate field. She previously served on Latham’s WEB Steering Committee. · Latham & Watkins
About
Rachel S.K. Bates is Global Co-Chair of Latham & Watkins' Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Industry Group and previously served as Global Vice Chair of its Real Estate Practice. She focuses on complex real estate transactions, particularly in the hospitality sector, advising clients including private equity sponsors, developers, hospitality brands, family offices, REITs, and institutional investors.