Christopher Gilmore
Partner – Townsend & Lockett LLC
Description of field of expertise
Private Equity, Corporate Finance & Commercial Real Estate
Chris Gilmore is an experienced corporate and real estate attorney practicing with Townsend & Lockett, LLC. After practicing in some of the largest firms in Atlanta and closing over $3 Billion in transaction value, Mr. Gilmore joined Townsend & Lockett where he leads its Private Equity and Venture Capital group and Commercial Real Estate Group. Mr. Gilmore’s practice focuses on corporate and financial transactions, including but not limited to debt and equity financings, software, service, and sales contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance and structuring. His experience spans a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, professional services, and logistics. With respect to Commercial Real Estate, Mr. Gilmore and his team’s practice focuses on leasing, sale-leasebacks, land and building acquisitions, and commercial development.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
As a new attorney venturing into M&A, below are a few ways to navigate your legal career:
- Start with a solid understanding of M&A fundamentals. Familiarize yourself with key concepts such as due diligence, deal structuring, purchase agreements, and regulatory compliance.
- M&A transactions involve complex financial and legal analyses. Cultivate strong analytical abilities to evaluate deals, assess risks, and understand the implications of various deal structures. Proficiency with financial statements and valuation methods will be particularly beneficial.
- Negotiation is a critical aspect of M&A transactions. Work on your negotiation skills to effectively advocate for your clients’ interests while finding mutually beneficial solutions. Practice active listening, persuasion, and strategic compromise.
- In M&A, precision is crucial. Drafting and reviewing documents with meticulous attention to detail can prevent costly mistakes and legal disputes.
- Beyond the legal aspects, a deep understanding of the business and industry context of your clients can be highly advantageous.