Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class in its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Last year — despite the challenges it brought — was no exception. Here’s a look at one of our newest Hall of Fame members, Alan Scheufler, partner with law firm Ulmer & Berne in Cleveland.
Alan Scheufler has achieved some of the highest honors during his legal career, having earned the top rating, AV Preeminent, from Martindale-Hubbell and having been named to The Best Lawyers in America in Banking and Finance Law.
This isn’t surprising to Scheufler’s peers and clients. They know that this business, finance and real estate attorney with more than 34 years’ experience works tirelessly to achieve the best results for his clients. They also understand that Scheufler boasts a keen legal mind and a willingness to constantly educate himself on new trends and issues.
Scheufler’s practice focuses on lenders who have complex lending problems and borrowers who need financing to pursue their deals but who also need a practical solution-driven approach. He represents major financial institutions, community banks, investment funds and borrowers and developers. He’s handled financial transactions including participations, syndications, club-deals, lines of credit, term loans, real estate acquisitions, real estate construction loans and refinancings.
The owners of closely held and middle-market businesses and developers also turn to Scheufler when they need to maximize the value of their investments, grow their businesses, create jobs or boost their profits.
Scheufler also has experience with alternate real estate development funding tools including Tax Increment Financing, Historic Tax Credits, New Market Tax Credits and other financing sources for business expansion, real estate development and brownfield clean-ups.
Why has Scheufler been so successful? He points to his focus on giving clients practical advice.
“I focus on proposing practical solutions based on deep experience for the owner or developer to consider,” he said. “Sometimes, the practical business solutions are far superior to the technical legal solutions.”
While Scheufler has built a thriving legal career, he’s also found time to give back to his community. He has served as chairman of Growth Capital Corporation from 2017 to the present, and also served as vice president of the organization from 2005 to 2016. He has also served as president, vice president and member of the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District Board of Education.
In his free time, Scheufler enjoys traveling with his family, exploring the United States’ national parks and volunteering with nonprofit groups.