Washington, DC – July 26, 2013 – Goulston & Storrs is pleased to announce that John Ratino has been named co-chair of the firm’s Hospitality & Recreation group.
In June 2013, Goulston & Storrs’ Hospitality & Recreation group was recognized by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for extraordinary client service and ranked nationally in the Leisure & Hospitality category by the well-regarded legal directory. One client noted in Chambers’ published results, “they really understand us which enables us to move expeditiously and not have to bring them up to speed on deals.”
The expansion of the group within the firm in recent years provided the context for John’s elevation to co-chair, as he joins incumbent Cecilia Gordon in his new role. John advises clients on matters involving real estate capital markets, investment trusts, joint ventures, financings, development, acquisitions and dispositions, restructurings and workouts, in addition to traditional business transactions. He is ranked by Chambers individually in the Real Estate category, with the publication noting he is “very experienced, business-minded, responsive and resourceful.” In April 2013, John moderated a main stage panel at the Bisnow Lodging Investment Summit (BLIS) in Washington, DC on the state of the lodging industry, attended by over 600 hospitality executives from across the US.
“For years we have utilized our agile team in helping our hospitality clients achieve a broad range of business objectives. As our team continues to grow, and our client base becomes more diverse, I look forward to continuing to harness and focus the efforts of our lawyers across markets to seamlessly address our clients’ needs wherever they may be, and achieve the best possible outcomes,” John stated.
Marty Fantozzi, co-managing director at Goulston & Storrs, commented, “Since joining Goulston & Storrs from another Am Law 200 firm in 2012, John has demonstrated leadership within our Hospitality & Recreation group internally as well as externally through his extensive understanding of the hospitality marketplace. He is the natural choice for co-chair of this group that is a lynchpin of our broader Real Estate practice and growing presence in Washington, DC. We are grateful for John’s contributions, and look forward to his continued stewardship in ensuring that the group’s clients reach even higher levels of success in their endeavors.”
In addition to his legal practice, John is also an adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center. A member of the American, Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations, John received his BS from the University of Maryland and his JD from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
