Image of John Opar

John Opar

Of Counsel

Email

jopar@aoshearman.com

Phone

+1 212 848 7044

Offices

New York

V-CARD
John has extensive experience in all areas of commercial real estate law, including foreign investment in U.S. real estate.
John has worked frequently on Shari’ah compliant investments and has been involved in development projects in the U.S., the Middle East, China, England, Germany and the Philippines. He has authored several publications and participated in a number of speaking engagements at seminars and conferences on various real estate subjects.

Experience

Representative matters

  • Qatar Investment Authority on its investment in Manhattan West, a development site valued upon completion at up to US$8.6 billion.
  • Wafra Investment Advisory Group, Inc. in the acquisition of numerous multi-family, office and retail properties including in New York; Washington, D.C.; Miami, Florida.
  • Public Institution for Social Security of Kuwait with respect to an investment in a joint venture to acquire a US$1 billion+ portfolio of regional shopping centers.
  • A sovereign wealth fund in connection with investments with an operating partner in Manhattan office properties at 230 Park Avenue and 350 Madison Avenue.
  • The fee owner in the sale of the ground lessor’s interest in 625 Madison Avenue.
  • Mubadala Development Company with respect to an investment in a joint venture to acquire and redevelop The Park Lane Hotel, a luxury high-rise hotel, overlooking Central Park in Manhattan.
  • Extensive hotel work with all of the major flags, including Four Seasons, Hilton, Hilton International, Hyatt, Regent, Setai, Swissôtel, Taj, Viceroy and Westin.
  • Extell Development Company on various acquisitions and joint ventures.
  • The sales of 530 Park Avenue, and 737 Park Avenue, New York multi-family rental properties.

Pro bono

  • Lower East Side Girl’s Club in acquisitions and financing matters over 10+ years.

Qualifications

Admissions

Attorney-at-Law, New York State (First Dept), 1981

Academic

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Swarthmore College, 1977 

With honors 

Minors: Economics, Philosophy

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.