Opportunity Zones

Our multi-disciplinary team combines subject matter knowledge in real estate, affordable housing, corporate, tax, securities and government regulation. This depth of knowledge enables us to represent:

• Real estate developers, sponsors, and investors
• Capital sources of all sizes making and seeking these investments
• Investment funds structured to be compliant with statutory framework
• Businesses raising “opportunity zone” capital in connection with a growth strategy

Nelson Mullins’ experienced qualified Opportunity Zone Team combines legal and practical experience to help clients explore the possibilities represented by this investment opportunity.

Nelson Mullins is well-positioned to guide investors, sponsors, developers, and fund managers through the complexities of this powerful structure that aligns community and financial interests. We have worked with a wide variety of investors, real estate developers, and business owners to structure qualified opportunity zone-compliant projects that meet business objectives and help achieve desired tax benefits for investors. Clients turn to us for our seasoned judgement, pragmatic guidance, and results-driven advice.

Our team plays a leading role in shaping thought leadership around this program, providing in-depth analysis and commentary. We regularly contribute through speaking engagements and published work.

Our lawyers have thoroughly studied the laws, analyzed the key opportunities, and closely track statutory and program developments in this area in order to:

• Counsel clients on the benefits of opportunity zone investing in the context of their overall business and investment strategies
• Advise individuals and businesses on the structuring of funds and investments
• Anticipate any new statutory amendments and related regulations that will better define how qualified opportunity zone investments will be structured
• Confer with government agencies about how to enhance the program to maximize the statutory goals of driving economic activity

We have developed a framework for advising on structural, operational and compliance dimensions of our clients’ investments.  

Additional Resources

This link is provided for convenience. Nelson Mullins does not monitor, and has no control over, the content in the linked websites.

• Map of OZ tracts: https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/resources/map

Following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

• Represented a strategic joint venture between a regional real estate company, minority owned partnership and national equity firm in the opportunity zone and capital stack structuring involving a mixed used development involving life science, multi-family, university facilities and office. Property is subject to long term ground lease and total project value is more than $2 billion.
• Represented developer in the structuring, acquisition and development of a student housing projects adjacent to “anchor” universities. 
• Served as strategic advisor to a national university on the implementation of the Opportunity Zones program. Responsibilities included developing comprehensive training materials and providing guidance on potential university-centered development initiatives—both on campus and in collaboration with strategic partners across various locations. Additionally, organized and led multiple events to promote Opportunity Zones and infrastructure projects as tools for fostering community growth, development, and long-term resilience.
• Represented a strategic joint venture between a regional real estate company and private equity fund involving the structuring of a multi-phased/multi parcel strategic life science development with an aggregate transaction value exceeding $1 billion.
• Represented multiple real estate companies on a programmatic basis with respect to multiple opportunity zone developments across all asset classes with a total transaction value of $500 million.
• Represented Equity Hedge Fund with respect to its investment in target opportunity zone businesses across the country in various industries including manufacturing, food production and art storage.
• Represented and advised multiple Family Offices with respect to their opportunity zone investments involving affordable housing, hotel, multifamily, self-storage, cold-storage and industrial properties.
• Designed and implemented a “QOF Merger Program” for national opportunity zone sponsor that allows “orphaned” opportunity funds the ability to merge into the client’s Master Fund without adverse tax consequences.