David C. Djaha

United States

Ropes & Gray LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036-8704
United States

Tel: +1 212 841 0489

Email: david.djaha@ropesgray.com
Web: www.ropesgray.com

Professional Biography

David Djaha is a partner at Ropes & Gray in New York, he has consistently been recognized by Chambers, The Best Lawyers in America and The Legal 500 as one of the leading real estate practitioners in the United States.

He served as the firm’s global managing partner from 2020–2025 and was a member of the firm’s management committee for a 10-year term. Prior to that service, he led the firm’s global real estate investments & transactions group.

David has more than 35 years’ experience advising investment banks, private equity funds, and U.S. and international developers and investors on their most complex real estate investment and finance matters. He focuses his practice on complex core and distressed acquisitions and dispositions, as well as asset- and mortgage-backed finance. He also regularly advises clients on matters involving capital markets, asset-based and mezzanine finance, warehouse and construction lending, real estate private equity, and joint ventures involving domestic and international transactions.

David has been dedicated to public service throughout his career. He currently serves on the boards of directors for God’s Love We Deliver and the International Senior Lawyers Project.

Education

  • JD, Brooklyn Law School; Dean’s List; Executive Research Editor of The Brooklyn Journal of International Law
  • BA (Communication), cum laude, University at Buffalo, State University of New York; Dean’s List; Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society

Admissions

  • New York, 1989
  • England and Wales, Registered Foreign Lawyer, 2019

  • Represented a global private equity firm in connection with its formation of four joint ventures to acquire multiple portfolios of office and development properties located throughout the United States, having a value of more than $1 billion.
  • Representing subsidiaries of a real estate investment trust in connection with the closing of loan facilities having an aggregate principal amount of over $15 billion.
  • Represented a private equity fund in connection with its investment in a $1.6 billion debt stack for the restructuring of a seven-property portfolio consisting of hotels in California and Hawaii, including the restructuring of multiple layers of debt, the forbearance of the senior loan, and the negotiation of new intercreditor arrangements.
  • Representing one of the world’s largest private equity investment firms, including most recently: the bid for a Florida office portfolio of over 100 properties; a $250 million investment in a public REIT; a consortium acquisition of two separate hotel chains; the acquisition and financing of a portfolio of Japanese real estate and related assets; and the acquisition of a multichannel specialty retailer.
  • Represented a group of affiliated publicly traded REITs in a series of acquisitions of commercial, medical and government office buildings in major U.S. cities, including Class A office buildings in Manhattan and Chicago totaling more than $1 billion and 4 million square feet.
  • Represented a global hedge fund in a joint venture with a New York developer to acquire and finance a 1+ acre site in New York City, to be developed into a multi-tower condominium development requiring approximately $600 million in combined capital.
  • Represented an institutional investor in the formation of a programmatic joint venture to acquire and develop more than $400 million of mixed-use real estate located in New York City, including 21 West End Avenue.
  • Represented a private real estate investment company and its capital partner, a large investment fund, in the distressed purchase of a New York hotel.

  • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2013-2025)
  • Lawdragon: “500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers” (2024-2025)
  • The Legal 500 (2015-2018)
  • Best Lawyers in America (2015-2023, 2026)
  • New York Super Lawyers (2008-2021, 2023-2024)
  • BTI Client Service All-Stars (2018)
  • INvolve People – Outstanding Advocates Role Model (2024)
  • Lawyers Alliance for New York, Cornerstone Awards – 10 Year Circle (2019)
  • Pro Bono Advocacy Award from the New York Lawyers For Public Interest (2008)
  • Euromoney Liquid Real Estate Award for “Best Real Estate Legal Services USA” (2007)

In real estate, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Ropes & Gray’s distinctive team approach brings together significant experience across multiple disciplines and industries. By leveraging the deep knowledge, resources, and expertise of its attorneys and integrated practice groups, the firm provides clients with a comprehensive suite of legal services designed to identify opportunities, manage risks, and achieve success in today’s dynamic global real estate market. Clients benefit from a coordinated approach that seamlessly addresses real estate, private equity, finance, tax, ERISA, investment, and environmental matters.

Ropes & Gray delivers practical and innovative solutions across a wide range of domestic and international real estate transactions, maintaining a strategic focus on helping clients meet their business objectives. The firm’s lawyers combine commercial awareness with legal precision to navigate complex markets and deliver clear, actionable advice tailored to each client’s needs.

With more than 100 legal professionals, including over 60 attorneys dedicated to real estate matters, Ropes & Gray’s multidisciplinary team operates from 11 offices across three continents. The firm represents clients in high-profile and complex real estate transactions throughout the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, and other key jurisdictions—offering seamless global service backed by deep local market insight.

Ropes & Gray is a leading global law firm renowned for providing sophisticated legal counsel to the world’s most prominent corporations, financial institutions, asset managers, and investors. With offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia, the firm offers clients seamless cross-border representation and strategic guidance in navigating complex legal, regulatory, and business challenges.

The firm’s practice spans all major areas of law, including private equity, asset management, mergers and acquisitions, finance, litigation, real estate, healthcare, life sciences, data privacy, and intellectual property. Ropes & Gray is particularly recognized for its strength in highly regulated industries and its ability to provide commercially driven solutions that combine legal excellence with deep industry knowledge.

Distinguished by its collaborative culture, client-focused approach, and commitment to innovation, Ropes & Gray builds long-term relationships founded on trust and results. The firm’s lawyers are known for their strategic insight, global perspective, and dedication to achieving clients’ business objectives—delivering exceptional service across jurisdictions and industries worldwide.