Paul McKie Lewis

Paul helps clients navigate the intricate world of corporate real estate transactions. He offers thoughtful legal counsel that can help clients to avoid costly missteps and preempt legal issues before they arise. When drafting or reviewing deals, Paul works to ensure that transactions adhere to regulatory compliance and are negotiated on favorable terms. He also collaborates with other Lathrop GPM counsel on tax and other legal implications. Paul plays a pivotal role in mitigating risks, safeguarding corporate interests and promoting a smooth, successful real estate transaction.

Some of the key services Paul provides clients include:

• Negotiating leases and loans for lenders and borrower
• Title and survey work
• Real estate transfers
• Land combinations
• Preparation of real estate documents such as leases, sales agreements and easements
• Drafting loan documents such as notes and collateral documentation
• Advising clients on real estate and loan transactions

Clients rely on Paul to help close their deals and know that he will find “creative structures to transactions,” and creative ways to solve problems. He particularly enjoys working with clients who have multiple real estate transactions during the year so he can help to simplify the process to get the client a favorable result while avoiding any pitfalls.

He is most passionate about seeing his involvement in various real estate and development deals pay off and witnessing the success of those projects throughout Kansas City. One such project is the first-of-its-kind $12 million Rock Island Bridge entertainment project in Kansas City. Paul participated with a team of Lathrop GPM attorneys who negotiated multiple contracts, assisted with platting and title work, and laid the groundwork for the project’s successful $5.5 million in private investments. Rock Island Bridge is an infrastructure renewal project involves the public, private, philanthropic and corporate sectors of Kansas City and has been invited to join the prestigious High Line Network, a working think-tank for America’s top infrastructure reuse projects. It is a converted railroad bridge that incorporates 65% dedicated public open space, restaurants, bars and coffee shops and other services intended to revitalize and repurpose unused and dilapidated infrastructure.

In addition to real estate law, Paul also focuses on public law, economic development incentives, land use planning and development, specifically including Chapter 100 Financing, the Missouri Works program, Chapter 353 Corporations and Enhanced Enterprise Zones.

Prior to joining the firm, Paul was associate counsel at Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company, where he reviewed estates, trusts and powers-of-attorney in connection with the purchase of life insurance policies and conducted research for legal issues and regulatory compliance.