Valerie Johnston
Valerie Johnston advises developers, investors, operators, and lenders on complex commercial real estate transactions, with a particular focus on data center development and mission-critical infrastructure. Val represents clients in the acquisition, development, financing, and disposition of large-scale real estate assets and regularly guides transactions involving sophisticated capital structures, operational agreements, and multiparty negotiations.
Val has experience in the rapidly evolving data center sector, advising clients on the real estate and contractual frameworks that support hyperscale and colocation facilities. She negotiates a wide range of agreements central to these projects, including colocation agreements, management agreements, purchase and sale agreements, construction contracts, loan documents, and complex leasing arrangements. Her work frequently involves coordinating stakeholders across development, financing, and operational teams to bring highly technical projects from planning through completion.
In addition to traditional real estate transactions, Val advises on complex project financing and alternative capital sources. She regularly counsels borrowers and lenders on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) leasing and specialized financing programs such as New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. Her experience includes structuring transactions to align financing mechanisms with development timelines, regulatory requirements, and long-term operational objectives.
Val’s practice also includes advising professional sports organizations on significant real estate matters, including stadium and arena development, long-term venue leases, and facility arrangements for international competitions and special events.
Clients value Val for her practical, business-focused approach and her ability to navigate complex transactions while balancing legal risk, operational needs, and project economics.
