Our Team
Joseph J. McQuade, Partner
Joe advises on all aspects of private securities offerings, with a particular emphasis on Opportunity Zone investments and 1031 investments such as syndications of beneficial interests in a Delaware statutory trust (DST) or undivided tenancy in common (TIC) interests. In addition, Joe has a wealth of experience with acquisition, disposition, and financing of commercial real estate. He has handled transactions involving real estate valued in excess of $15 billion, including a multi-family complex in Tampa, which was the largest DST transaction in U.S. history at the time and an office tower in Chicago which was the largest syndicated TIC acquisition in U.S. history at the time.
Joe has served as an expert witness in litigation related to the restructuring of master leases for TIC and DST assets, and has been a speaker on such topics as Opportunity Zone investment strategies, the structuring of UPREIT transactions, and the challenges of transitioning management responsibility for TIC owned assets.
Jessie P. Cooke, Attorney
Jessie guides clients through a variety of complex commercial real estate matters, including DST syndication, 1031 exchanges, corporate leases, and loan workouts.
Jessie previously served as a Summer Clerk for the Hon. Justice McCullough of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Outside of the office, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and remodeling houses.
Ejaj S. Rahman, Attorney
Ejaj advises clients on private securities offerings in compliance with Rules 506(b) and 506(c) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, with a focus on structuring capital for real estate offerings and other tax-advantaged investments. Ejaj also assists with 1031 exchange transactions, corporate governance, joint ventures, and a variety of other transactional matters.
Ejaj previously worked as a junior analyst at The Carlyle Group, where he supported due diligence, financial modeling, and transaction execution across a broad portfolio of private equity investments.
Leslie A. Rudzinski, Counsel
Leslie is a client-focused real estate and securities attorney who provides the strategic guidance, legal documentation, and practical support her clients need to achieve their business goals. She supports clients through the full life cycle of commercial real estate transactions including acquisitions, financing and sales, bringing a solutions‑oriented approach and a commitment to seamless closings.
In a prior role at a bank, Leslie led teams responsible for closing complex commercial loans across the footprint. Her experience there with real estate portfolio transactions, construction loans, syndications and bond financings gives her a deep understanding of large-scale deals and the needs of every stakeholder involved.
Outside the office, Leslie enjoys time with her family, volunteering at her sons’ school, watching sports, oil painting, gardening, and books, books, books. She also loves a well-built spreadsheet and the satisfaction of crossing items off a well-structured to‑do list.
Luke H. McQuade, Paralegal
Luke McQuade supports the firm's attorneys in drafting disclosure documents for private securities offerings, drafting operating agreements, and various other transactional matters.
In his spare time, Luke enjoys playing violin, watching the rain, and trouncing his father and brothers in board games.
Mandy C. Swearingen, Paralegal
Mandy Swearingen supports the firm’s commercial real estate and private securities practices, assisting with contract drafting, title review, and transactional coordination.
In her free time, Mandy enjoys spending time outdoors, being with family and friends and attending live music events.