2025 Year in Review: R. Davis Powell, King & Spalding

What accomplishment, milestone, project or transaction stood out for you or your firm in 2025? 

In 2025, King & Spalding represented Cortland Partners in acquiring a majority of Elme Communities’ real estate assets. It was a true hybrid between a public company take-private transaction and a portfolio real estate deal. Each aspect of the deal had to be analyzed through both lenses in order to land on the ultimate transaction structure. The transaction showcased our team at K&S, as we have a deep bench in both true real estate and real estate M&A, as well as real estate finance and capital formation. Partners from all of those disciplines combined to deliver a great result for the client.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? 

Digital infrastructure has been a hot market, and is trending to be even more robust in 2026. The appetite for data centers continues to grow in order to support AI needs. The amounts of capital and energy required are staggering. We are supporting established players developing projects at breakneck speeds, while also advising new entrants into the market in order to meet the demand. These projects require cross-disciplinary teams in RE, construction, energy and capital formation. Cross-border tax advice is also critical, particularly when the capital is coming from outside of the U.S.