Ernesto focuses his practice on representing developers and public bodies in the areas of real estate transactions and public financing. He advises clients on all aspects of development work, from the acquisition of land through the construction and leasing of commercial, industrial and residential properties, including eminent domain and zoning. Ernesto regularly counsels clients on matters relating to public financing tools and incentives, such as tax increment financing, tax abatement, community improvement districts, transportation development districts and state and federal tax credits.
Since joining the firm after law school, Ernesto has also developed expertise in the negotiation of commercial, office and industrial leases for both landlords and tenants and in lending compliance matters related to state and federal laws, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA).
Professional Associations & Memberships
· The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
· Illinois State Bar Association
· The Missouri Bar
· Regional Business Council - Young Professionals Network
· Urban Land Institute
Civic Involvement
· University of Colorado Alumni Association
· Young Friends of St. Louis Children's Hospital
Experience
· Represented developer in public financing, which consisted of $202 million Chapter 100 bond financing and $18.5 million transportation development district bond financing, for a new office tower
· Advised developer in $27.8 million tax increment financing from the City of St. Louis
· Represented Fortune 100 publicly traded company in the development of a 225,000-square-foot facility costing in excess of $70 million, the financing of which included nearly $22 million of Missouri BUILD bonds, Chapter 100 bond financing and sales tax abatement
· Advised lenders and developers on real estate due diligence and title insurance matters in more than 30 different states
· Counseled landlord in the negotiation of office leases in 750,000-square-foot office tower
· Represented privately held company in all real estate aspects of $95 million sale of corporate assets, including six separate river terminals (both fee-owned and leased property) located in multiple states
· Represented the purchaser of a 100-megawatt wind energy project in Kansas
News & Publications
Publications
9.30.11, "Show-Me" The Money? New Hope for Compromise on Economic Development Incentives in the Special Session of the Missouri General Assembly