Seyfarth Shaw LLP continues to expand its real estate capabilities in Texas with the addition of Consuella (Connie) Simmons Taylor to the firm’s Houston office as a partner in its Real Estate department.
Taylor previously served as firmwide chair of the Real Estate & Construction practice at Baker Botts L.L.P.
Taylor is the 11th Real Estate partner to make a lateral move to Seyfarth since the start of 2025 – and the fifth since the beginning of 2026, including three in Texas. Seyfarth’s Real Estate practice is among the largest in the country.
Taylor brings more than 30 years of experience to Seyfarth, having counseled clients on commercial real estate transactions of all asset types, primarily representing developers and owners. Clients have entrusted Taylor with a wide range of significant matters involving office and retail leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and development of real property.
Taylor is widely recognized in the industry and has held leadership roles with the planning committee for the ICSC +US Law Conference presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and with the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL). In 2025, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, an honor recognizing women who “innovate, uplift communities, break ceilings, and redefine leadership.”
Taylor counsels both buyers and sellers of office and retail assets in major metropolitan and suburban areas across the United States, ranging from single assets to multi-asset portfolios.
She also represents clients in financing, refinancing, and loan assumptions involving office buildings, retail shopping centers and industrial/logistics projects in Houston and other large US cities. Her work includes several portfolio financings for development funds.
Taylor has represented landlords in office and retail leasing transactions involving up to one million square feet in a single deal. Taylor’s tenant representations include the lease of approximately half-a -million square feet for a major utility company, as well as leases ranging from 10,000 to over 100,000 square feet for energy companies and other corporate clients.
“Seyfarth’s nationally integrated real estate platform presents a compelling opportunity to expand the way I serve my clients,” said Taylor. “The firm’s collaborative approach and strength in Texas and across the country position it for continued growth. I am excited to join the team in Houston and contribute to that momentum.”
Taylor’s leadership and industry impact have earned significant recognition. She is recognized as one of the “500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers” by Lawdragon and was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Real Estate Law by The Best Lawyers in America in 2023. She is consistently ranked by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers. Taylor earned her JD at Tulane University Law School and her BA at the University of Houston.
