Leadership Biography
With over two decades of experience in commercial real estate law, Thomas B. Cahill specializes in representing developers and retailers in retail and office leasing, acquisitions, and dispositions. Known for his expertise in the shopping center industry, Tom has played a key role in complex transactions, including multi-party easement agreements and multi-parcel assemblages. Before establishing his solo practice, Tom served as a corporate attorney for Sears and as a partner in private practice, gaining extensive experience in high-stakes real estate deals, such as a nine-store acquisition structured as a tax-free exchange and negotiating one of the largest real estate debt restructurings in history.
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An adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law since 1987, Tom is also a sought-after speaker at legal conferences, including the International Council of Shopping Centers Law Conference, where he has led advanced workshops on topics like property assemblages, title insurance, and drafting in plain English. Recognized by his peers with a Martindale Hubbell AV Rating for his high legal ability and ethical standards, Tom holds a B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College and a J.D., cum laude, from Northern Illinois University College of Law. Licensed to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, he remains deeply committed to supporting clients and colleagues nationwide.
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Tenure and Experience
Maria Frano has been an integral part of Thomas B. Cahill Law Firm since its inception, bringing a wealth of expertise in real estate, corporate law, contracts, and finance. Her extensive experience spans commercial, industrial, warehouse, and data center leasing, as well as navigating complex corporate structures and commercial lending transactions. Maria excels in negotiating and drafting intricate legal documents, including purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, reciprocal easement agreements, site development agreements, and various corporate documents such as operating agreements and bylaws. She has represented national retailers, franchisors, franchisees, and developers, playing a pivotal role in high-value transactions, including the sale of assets and real estate for corporations worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Maria's contributions have also been instrumental in securing multi-million-dollar loans from prominent financial institutions and investment firms. A proud alumna of Michigan State University, Maria earned her B.A. in 1994.
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