backNEW YORK. January 21, 2026 – King & Spalding announced today that Brian Donnelly has joined the firm’s Real Estate and Funds practice group as a partner. He is based in New York.
Donnelly’s practice focuses on complex real estate debt and equity transactions across the United States and Canada. His debt practice includes representation of clients in high-profile originations and restructurings of commercial real estate debt across all major asset classes —including office, retail, multi-family, logistics and data center facilities, with an emphasis on construction financings and debt transactions with multiple layers of senior and junior credit arrangements, including mezzanine debt and preferred equity investments. He also has an equity practice that includes representation of investors and sponsors in the acquisition, financing, development, and disposition of real estate projects across all asset classes.
“Brian is a highly motivated self-starter who has had tremendous success building out a robust real estate finance practice on both the debt and equity sides,” said Erik Andersen, co-leader of the firm’s Real Estate and Funds practice group. “Brian has grown this sophisticated practice through entrepreneurism and relentless client service, and his addition will complement our large and growing real estate finance practice and continue to elevate our brand presence in the market.”
Donnelly joins King & Spalding from McDermott Will & Schulte, where he was a partner. He earned his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School and his B.A., with distinction, from the University of Guelph.
“King & Spalding’s focus on collaboration and practice- and firm-building align with my entrepreneurial nature, which makes me really excited to be part of this team,” said Donnelly. “King & Spalding has the scale and reputation in the real estate space that will provide me a meaningful springboard for growing my practice and enhancing how I can serve my clients.”
About King & Spalding
King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,300 lawyers in 26 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognized for the results it obtains, uncompromising commitment to quality and dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients. More information is available at www.kslaw.com.
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