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Paul McKie Lewis

Paul describes himself as a "no nonsense, straightforward deal guy," who "helps clients to close their deals." According to clients and colleagues, he is easy to work with and gets right down to business. He's known for speaking in business terms, being creative and for simplifying the process for clients. According to one client, "Paul's work is great, and he turns things around fast." Another said, "[Paul] has done everything he has been expected to do in a timely and efficient fashion. The quality has been great."

Paul Lewis, a real estate lawyer who represents major corporations and individuals, is a partner in Lathrop GPM's Business Transactions group. He provides crucial advice on complicated real estate transactions, especially work emanating from mergers and acquisitions and municipal real estate work.

Paul helps clients navigate the intricate world of corporate real estate transactions. He offers thoughtful legal counsel that can help clients to avoid costly missteps and preempt legal issues before they arise. When drafting or reviewing deals, Paul works to ensure that transactions adhere to regulatory compliance and are negotiate on favorable terms. He also collaborates with other Lathrop GPM counsel on tax and other legal implications. Paul plays a pivotal role in mitigating risks, safeguarding corporate interests, and promoting a smooth, successful real estate transaction.

Some of the key services Paul provides clients include:

  • Negotiating leases and loans for lenders and borrower
  • Title and survey work
  • Real estate transfers
  • Land combinations
  • Preparation of real estate documents such as leases, sales agreements and easements
  • Drafting loan documents such as notes and collateral documentation
  • Advising clients on real estate and loan transactions

Clients rely on Paul to help close their deals and know that he will find "creative structures to transactions," and creative ways to solve problems. He particularly enjoys working with clients who have multiple real estate transactions during the year so he can help to simplify the process to get the client a favorable result while avoiding any pitfalls.

He is most passionate about seeing his involvement in various real estate and development deals pay off and witnessing the success of those projects throughout Kansas City. One such project is the first-of-its-kind $12 million Rock Island Bridge entertainment project in Kansas City. Paul participated with a team of Lathrop GPM attorneys who negotiated multiple contracts, assisted with platting and title work, and laid the groundwork for the project's successful $5.5 million in private investments. Rock Island Bridge is an infrastructure renewal project involves the public, private, philanthropic and corporate sectors of Kansas City and has been invited to join the prestigious High Line Network, a working think-tank for America's top infrastructure reuse projects. It is a converted railroad bridge that incorporates 65% dedicated public open space, restaurants, bars and coffee shops and other services intended to revitalize and repurpose unused and dilapidated infrastructure.

In addition to real estate law, Paul also focuses on public law, economic development incentives, land use planning and development, specifically including Chapter 100 Financing, the Missouri Works program, Chapter 353 Corporations, and Enhanced Enterprise Zones.

Prior to joining the firm, Paul was associate counsel at Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company, where he reviewed estates, trusts, and powers-of-attorney in connection with the purchase of life insurance policies and conducted research for legal issues and regulatory compliance.

WHEN ASKED …

Why did you become a lawyer?

I come from a family of attorneys, and it made a lot of sense to continue that tradition. My great grandfather was one of the founders of Gage & Tucker (John B. Gage) which ultimately became Lathrop & Gage which became Lathrop GPM. It's an honor to be a part of the family legacy.

What do you do outside of work?

With four young children in a variety of sports and other activities, my wife and it are involved in a great deal of their activities. I have done everything from coach flag football to cheer them and their teammates on from the sidelines. I'm also a big history reader and avid local sports fan.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Handle all real estate transactions in the Missouri and Kansas Division of Salvation Army.
  • Supported the Western Missouri Soccer League (WMSL) in the sale of its soccer complex and league operations to AVB Properties, LLC., an entity owned by the managing partner of the Kansas City Comets.
  • Assisted with the negotiation of multiple contracts, platting and title work, and laid the groundwork for the Rock Island Bridge Entertainment project.
  • Assisted a client with the sale of a downtown Kansas City hotel, which involved complicated condominium work and other moving parts.
  • Assisted a client with a historic tax credit to finance development in West Bottoms area of Kansas City.
  • Handled all franchise client leases for Miracle Ear.

Publications

  • Gorum v. Sessoms, 41 Urb. Law. 599, Summer 2009

Professional Affiliations

  • ABA – Tort Trial and Insurance Section, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, Taxation, Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice
  • Kansas Bar Association
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association 
  • Missouri Bar Association

Honors

  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America®, "Ones to Watch," 2023-2024
  • 2015 graduate of the Leadership Northeast Program of the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Fellow Life Management Institution (FLMI) Designation, Life Office Management Association (LOMA), 2013
  • Associate Insurance Regulatory Compliance (AIRC) Designation, Life Office Management Association (LOMA) – 2013
  • Associate Reinsurance Administration (ARA) Designation, Life Office Management Association (LOMA) 2013
  • Kansas City Estate Planning Prize - Second place, tax track, “Partial Exchanges of Annuities under § 1035,” 2012
Photo of Paul McKie Lewis
F: 816.292.2001

Assistant

Angie Sanders
816.460.5770

Court Memberships

  • Missouri 
  • Kansas

Education

University of Missouri-Kansas City, Taxation LL.M., 2011

University of Missouri-Kansas City, J.D., 2010

  • Phi Alpha Delta
  • Urban Lawyer, Staff
  • Law Review, Staff

University of Kansas, B.A., 2007