Maynard Nexsen Opens New Atlanta Office with Blue Chip Real Estate Merger

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Addition of eight commercial real estate attorneys and four paralegals bolsters national practice

Maynard Nexsen proudly announces its continued national growth through a strategic merger with Miller Lavoie, LLP, a preeminent Atlanta-based real estate firm. The merger will be effective July 31, 2025, with a shared goal to provide top-tier client service across the United States.

This strong partnership brings the expert attorneys from Miller Lavoie to Maynard Nexsen, a full-service law firm with nearly 600 attorneys in 31 locations coast-to-coast. The real estate team has the depth and scope to lead projects in any jurisdiction and serves developers, investors, lenders, owner/operators, managers, family offices and brokerage firms focused on commercial and multi-family and BTR residential real estate investments.

The Miller Lavoie team brings decades of experience in the practice of law in the Atlanta market, having all formerly practiced together at Morris Manning & Martin for years, prior to creating their own real estate boutique firm in 2022. Among the joining attorneys are four shareholders: Duncan Miller, Brett Lavoie, Robert Rearden and Alex Heaton; two “of counsel” attorneys: Samuel Wilmoth and Stephen Bush; and two associates: Alexander Hegner and Nyssa Zaman. Also joining are office director and paralegal Kyle Cooley; senior paralegals Darlene Hill-Parks and Angela Biernath; paralegal Darwin Hill; and client coordinator Kellie Mitchell.  This group will play a key role in expanding and strengthening Maynard Nexsen’s expertise across the full spectrum of real estate investment, development and financing.

“Duncan, Brett, Robert and Alex are some of the most highly-regarded attorneys in the Atlanta market, and as such are some of the most highly sought after real estate attorneys in the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia.  Under Duncan’s leadership, their practice has become national, and the reputation of their team as premier real estate counsel follows the footprint of their client base throughout the United States,” said Jeff Grantham, Maynard Nexsen CEO and Managing Shareholder. “We are incredibly excited that Duncan, Brett, Robert, Alex and team have chosen to join our more than 90 real estate attorneys located across our platform to continue to build and grow one of the largest and most diversified real estate practices in the region and the country.  We are hyper-focused on growing our Atlanta presence, and with Miller Lavoie, we have the perfect group to build out a full-service office, focusing on our unique strengths and culture. We are incredibly excited and look forward to making a real difference with and for our clients in Georgia and beyond.”

Duncan Miller, co-founder of Miller Lavoie, stated, “Maynard Nexsen is growing with purpose, and we’re proud to join in on that momentum. This partnership gives our team the ability to deliver even greater value to clients across a national platform. With Maynard Nexsen’s resources and reach, we are positioned to scale our practice in lockstep with our clients’ needs.  We were not in the market for a merger, but after spending time learning about the firm and understanding and witnessing their commitment to shared core values, it became clear that this was a perfect fit.  Maynard Nexsen’s commitment to Atlanta, to the real estate practice, and to the core values of superior client service, genuine colleague appreciation, and a dedication to growth and opportunity perfectly aligned with the values instilled in us through years of mentorship by the early pioneers at Morris, Manning & Martin.  We look forward to continuing our journey with new mentors, colleagues and the leadership at Maynard Nexsen.”

Duncan Miller advises operators, developers, lenders, and investors throughout every facet of the commercial real estate industry. He has a longstanding record of representing some of the largest private real estate owners and investors in the U.S., guiding them through acquisitions, dispositions, developments, and financing of various property types including hotels, offices, industrial facilities, multifamily complexes, retail centers, and mixed-used projects. 

Brett Lavoie brings extensive expertise advising developers and investors on structuring and implementing development and financing strategies for new projects. He regularly negotiates joint ventures, debt and equity financing, and agreements with government authorities. Brett also serves as counsel to borrowers and lenders with complex loan issues, modifications, workout strategies, note acquisitions and sales, and senior loan facilities.

Alex Heaton represents developers, investors, and financial institutions, in a wide range of transactions with a focus on the hospitality, industrial, governmental, and utility-scale renewable energy sectors. He specializes in bridge and construction lending and has led multiple transactions exceeding a billion dollars, spanning new developments and distressed debt opportunities, among others.

Robert Rearden, who will serve as the managing partner of the Maynard Nexsen Atlanta office, has extensive experience in commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, and debt financing transactions. His practice primarily focuses on hospitality, multifamily, industrial, office, and retail projects, with a particular emphasis on the Southeast.

Sam Wilmoth advises owners and investors on the acquisition, development, leasing, and capitalization of commercial real estate across all asset classes. He is experienced in structuring and financing complex transactions, forming real estate ventures and representing borrowers in loan workouts and note acquisitions.

Stephen Bush assists clients with corporate transactions, primarily focused on commercial real estate. He supports clients through joint ventures, corporate structuring, fund formation, private placements, M&A, and general commercial negotiations.

Alexander Hegner represents owners, investors, and developers in transactions involving industrial, hotel, multifamily, and other commercial properties. He also structures venture financings and negotiates distressed real estate loan workouts.

Nyssa Zaman supports clients in all facets of commercial real estate, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, leasing, and financing within hospitality, retail, and office sectors.