Keith R. Barnett

Keith R. Barnett

Boston, MA recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007
Proskauer Rose LLP

125 Best Lawyers awards

Proskauer Rose LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Biography

Keith Barnett is an experienced lawyer who has developed a successful practice representing clients in all aspects of commercial real estate, including real estate finance, development, acquisitions, sales and leasing. During the course of his career, Mr. Barnett has represented local, national and international clients, including some of the world’s largest publicly traded retailers, investors, developers, pension fund advisors and life insurance companies, among others, in various real estate transactions.

Practice

Mr. Barnett represents national retailers in all their real estate needs, including acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, permitting and development. He has also represented clients in connection with numerous major real estate developments, including hotel projects, retail developments, office buildings, biotechnology and high technology facilities, residential developments, warehouse and industrial facilities and academic buildings. Mr. Barnett has significant experience in connection with various different real estate finance options including traditional mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments and so-called "bond leases," "synthetic leases” and other accounting and tax sensitive transactions and is a leader in the firm’s Distressed Real Estate Solutions Group, working to advise clients in various positions with respect to options and opportunities, including loan workouts, foreclosure advice and debt and equity restructurings. Mr. Barnett also has a very active practice representing owners and tenants in connection with various leasing transactions and buyers and sellers in connection with both the acquisition and disposition of real estate in all asset classes. Representative clients include investors, developers, retailers, pension fund advisors, life insurance companies, commercial banks, opportunity investors and publicly traded companies, including some of the world's largest publicly traded retailers.

Proskauer Rose LLP

125 Best Lawyers awards

Proskauer Rose LLP logo

Overview

  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 1991
  • Harvard University, AB, graduated 1988

  • Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association
  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 1991
  • Harvard University, AB, graduated 1988

Client Testimonials

Keith Barnett has the unique ability to "think 360" and anticipate and overcome issues in all aspects of real estate. He communicates in a crisp, clear, and professional manner. At times, Attorney Barnett appears to be ubiquitous and responds in an impressively timely manner.

Keith Barnett is a great lawyer.

I am the executive director of a nonprofit organization that has been a pro bono client of WilmerHale LLP (previously Hale and Dorr LLP) for nearly 20 years. During that period, attorney Barnett has provided counsel to our charity on a wide range of real estate issues. I am consistently impressed by the depth of his knowledge and expertise, the soundness of his judgment, his patience in discussing and explaining legal options, and his integrity, generosity, and good humor. We could not have found a better attorney to represent the interests of our organization and to help us further our mission.

Kathi Anderson (Walden Woods Project)

Lincoln, MA

Mr. Barnett is able to keep all the details for his transactions in order while keeping up with a hectic pace in order to see the deal to closing.

Keith has provided excellent service over the years, particularly when the Museum was involved in complex lease negotiations. Keith not only has a thorough understanding of the legal implications of a transaction, but he also brings a real-world perspective to contract negotiations to ensure the Museum's business interests are being well represented. Besides his intellectual abilities, Keith is also a pleasure to work with and is prompt in responding to my inquiries, or when I am seeking legal advice.

John Slakey (Museum of Science)

Boston, MA

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Real Estate Law
Special Focus:
  • Commercial
  • Development
  • Finance
  • Hotels
  • Joint Ventures
  • Land Use
  • Shopping Center Transactions
  • Tax Certiorari
  • Transactions
  • Troubled Projects
  • Workouts and Restructurings
  • Zoning
Awards:
  • Named a "New England Super Lawyer" in the area of real estate law in Boston Magazine (2008-2013)

Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.

Please use the print button to print this profile page.

Spinning circle Big letter B