Benjamin L. Polakoff
Practice Focus
Practice Focus: Commercial real estate; Commercial lending
Professional Experience
Ben’s commercial real estate law practice includes extensive experience representing developers, investors, and operating businesses in connection with:
- Acquisitions and sales
- Due diligence and title review
- Entity formation and structure
- Land development
- Construction
- Secured finance
- Leasing, including retail, office, industrial, and special purpose leasing
- Property management
Ben’s commercial lending practice includes representation of banks, credit unions, and private lenders in secured real estate, asset based, and mezzanine lending, including:
- Loan structure and documentation
- Due diligence
- Loan enforcement
Prior to forming GPS Law Group, Ben was a partner in the Business Law Department of the Baltimore, Maryland law firm of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler.
education
- University of Maryland School of Law, J.D. (1998) •
Emory University, B.A. (1995)
Bar Admissions:
- Maryland
Activities and Honors
- Ben is active in both the Maryland legal community and real estate industry and has spoken and published articles on commercial real estate topics.
- Elected to serve as Chair of the Baltimore County Bar Association Real Property Committee.
- Named a “Rising Star” in “Super Lawyer,” an annual publication of Key Professional Media, Inc. in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
- Appointed to two 4-year terms as Chairman of the Baltimore County Ethics Commission, which oversees the laws governing standards of ethical conduct by public officials in Baltimore County, Maryland.
Personal
Ben is equally committed to spending time with his family, and has devoted countless evenings and weekends as a supporter and coach for his children’s lacrosse, soccer, basketball and volleyball teams. A long-time Deadhead, Ben also enjoys live music and music festivals. Other favorite activities revolve around the outdoors, and include hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and mountain biking.
Publications
- The Daily Record 2018 Real Estate Matters Conference, March 9, 2018. Mr. Polakoff was a panelist, speaking on the topic of “Real estate investment in today’s economy -How can an investor work more efficiently with a real estate attorney.”
- “Keeping it Real Online: Real estate attorney blogs on the state of the market.” January 23, 2009. The Baltimore Business Journal interviews Mr. Polakoff about his commercial real estate blog, “Around the Block,” which was active through 2009.
- “The Nuts and Bolts of Retail Leases: Radius Restrictions.” January 22, 2009. Mr. Polakoff co-hosted an educational program for the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trusts & Estate Law.
- “New Lead Paint Law Requires Careful Planning.” September 12, 2008, the Baltimore Business Journal. Mr. Polakoff writes on a new Maryland law affecting buyers of properties eligible for the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. (Subscription required.)
- Mr. Polakoff published the well-regarded commercial real estate blog: “Around the Block: Maryland Real Estate Events and News.” A resource for the state’s commercial real estate community, the site offers a calendar of upcoming CRE events and regular CRE news updates.
- “Tenants Must Give Timely Notice.” March 10, 2006. On Chesapeake Bank of Maryland v. Monro Muffler⁄Brake Inc. and lease renewal notices. The Gazette of Politics & Business.
- “Stay Informed, Active in the Zoning Process.” July 4, 2003. On the Baltimore City and Baltimore County zoning codes. The Baltimore Business Journal.
- “Subleasing is Viable Option in Today’s Economy.” December 6, 2002. On the virtues and mechanics of sublease agreements. The Baltimore Business Journal.
“Ben has been instrumental to helping our company achieve growth and success by always looking out for the risks and challenges we may face. His analytical and pragmatic advice, coupled with his ability to quickly produce results on a cost effective basis, has made Ben a true strategic legal advisor.” Maurice Rozencwaig – Founder CRB Capital LLC
