Stephen H. Malato

Stephen H. Malato focuses his practices in the area of real estate law. Stephen has significant experience in project development, commercial lending, construction litigation, corporate organization and governance, and contracts and environmental compliance.

Stephen joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in July 1986. He is a past leader of the firm's national Real Estate & Construction Practice Group.

Stephen was elected as a Fellow by the American College of Mortgage Attorneys in 2004.

• American College of Mortgage Attorneys, Fellow
• Chicago Bar Association
• Union League Club of Chicago
• Chicago Area Mortgage Attorneys Association

• Recipient of the 2003 Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation Distinguished Service Award
• Recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by Illinois Super Lawyers magazine (2005–2007)
• Recognized by his peers as a Leading Lawyer in the category of Real Estate Law: Commercial
• Included in Leading Lawyers Network Magazine Real Estate, Construction & Environmental Edition’s list of the Top 100 Real Estate-Related Lawyers in Illinois, 2010
• Holds the AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability

Transactions that Mr. Malato has handled include:

• Representation of American National Bank in connection with the Westridge Court Shopping Center, including acting as lead counsel for the three banks that provided the $41 million loan; acquiring the shopping center in a deed in lien of foreclosure transaction; working through lease issues with Phar-Mor Pharmacy, Spiegel and K-mart.
• Representation of Bekins Van Lines in connection with the leasing of a distribution center in Ohio and a distribution center in Utah.
• Representation of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America/Hiffman Shaffer Associates, Inc. joint ventures, including the negotiation and preparation of leases with tenants such as DHL, Bally and Airborne Express.
• Representation of Travelers Insurance Company in connection with leasing of office space, retail space and industrial space in buildings in Traveler’s Equity Portfolio.
• Representation of American National Bank in bond financing involving the Bensenville Home Society, a Lutheran Charitable Organization that provides elderly care.
• Representation of LaSalle Bank in various loan transactions.
• Representation of GE-related insurance companies in mortgage lending transactions.

• "Chicago Real Estate Now," IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, Illinois, March 2016

• Chicago Volunteer Legal Assistance, Panel Program (1978–Present)