Cheryl (“Sherry”) Shaw, a member of Brock Clay's Real Estate, Corporate and Transactional practice, is an experienced attorney who advises lenders, small and mid-sized businesses, closely held companies and school districts in Georgia on a full range of commercial lending (SBA and private venture capitalist), real estate and general corporate matters to help them achieve their business objectives.

Drawing upon more than 20 years of experience in business law, commercial real estate and lending, Ms. Shaw represents banks and other lenders from start to finish in commercial loans and finance transactions, including advising on the loan structure, negotiation of the commitment letter, performing full due diligence and title exams on all collateral and the borrower, drafting all loan documentation and timely providing all title policies and certifications. Ms. Shaw has more than 20 years’ experience in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. In addition to closing SBA loans, she assists with the preparation of the SBA Authorization, advises on documentation and compliance requirements for 7(A) and 504 loans; and SOP interpretation and compliance.

Ms. Shaw also advises sellers, purchasers and brokers and lenders through all facets of structuring, negotiating and closing commercial real estate sales, leases and development; and in non-real estate business sales, mergers and acquisitions. As a business advisor, she provides legal advice to clients in all phases of their business, including business formation, expansions, general contracts, business transactions, as well as advising on mergers and acquisitions, sales, split-ups, shareholder agreements and operating agreements; and counseling clients through business succession and wealth transfer planning.  With her LL.M. in tax, she is able to advise on the tax implications of business and real estate transactions.

She works closely with Brock Clay’s Education Law practice, providing counsel to school districts on a variety of commercial real estate, contracts and procurement matters. Ms. Shaw also assists School Districts in the acquisition, ownership, operation and development of real estate holdings, including without limitation land acquisition and construction; title matters; easements; use agreements; leasing and cell tower matters.

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENT HIGHLIGHTS

Some of the recent successes Ms. Shaw has achieved on behalf of her clients include:

• Promptly closed SBA 7(A) land acquisition and construction loans for private school; restaurants, gas stations, and professional businesses.
   
• Closed commercial loan to borrower with offices located throughout the United States, and supervised full due diligence in all applicable states before closing.
   
• Successfully negotiated and closed several million dollar land assemblages for new school construction.  Negotiated ancillary easement, development and construction agreements.
   
• Closed $25 million stock sale of logistics company; $14 million stock sale of manufacturing company.
   
• Closed asset sales of dental practices, restaurants, child care centers, and insurance agency.

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Member, The State Bar Association of Georgia
    - Former Member, North Atlanta Tax Council (1994-2000)
• Affiliate Member, Georgia Association of Business Brokers
• Member, NAGGL (National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders)
• Member, NADCO (National Association of Development Companies)
• Member, Georgia State University Planned Giving Council
• Instructor, Metro Brokers GMAC commercial business and commercial real estate classes for brokers
• Former Director, North Atlanta Tax Council (1995-1997)
• Former Director, Big Top Theatre of Marietta

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PUBLICATIONS

• Served as an expert commentator on tax law issues on Layman’s Lawyer television show (1998, 2000)