How do I help clients with their real estate transactions and related matters?

I help clients navigate commercial real estate transactions with a practical, business-minded approach focused on getting the deal done while anticipating the issues that could create problems down the road. I believe good counsel means recognizing what a client may not have considered, clearly explaining the risks and choices involved, and finding a path forward without over-lawyering the matter.

Drawing on decades of commercial real estate experience

Zach Allen brings nearly four decades of experience to complex commercial real estate transactions, representing owners, developers, purchasers, sellers, landlords, tenants and borrowers. His practice encompasses acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, financing, construction and development, with experience across retail, office, industrial, land and multifamily properties—and, increasingly, data centers. Licensed in both Oklahoma and Texas, Zach regularly assists with transactions involving multiple jurisdictions.

Focusing on the complexities of retail leasing

Retail leasing represents a particular strength within Zach’s practice. He has extensive experience negotiating leases with national and regional retailers, often working from tenant-provided forms that can heavily favor the retailer and create significant challenges for landlords. With many retail leases extending 10, 20, 30 years or more, Zach looks beyond the immediate transaction to identify contingencies, obligations and other provisions that could affect a client’s business over the life of the relationship.

Approaching negotiations with pragmatism

Zach views most transactions as an effort by both sides to reach the same fundamental goal: completing a deal that works for everyone involved. Rather than approaching negotiations as a contest to be won, he keeps his client’s objectives at the center while addressing the other party’s legitimate concerns. His experience also helps him anticipate the typical choreography of a transaction and recognize issues or decision points that clients may not initially recognize.

Balancing thoroughness with business priorities

Clients rely on Zach to provide complete and accurate advice without unnecessary complexity. He focuses on explaining what the issues mean from the client’s perspective, what decisions need to be made, what risks warrant attention, and what steps should follow. He also works collaboratively with the firm’s Real Estate team, delegating work when appropriate to promote efficiency, meet deadlines, and keep transactions moving.

Bringing specialized experience to the closing table

Zach’s work also includes commercial real estate financing, primarily representing property owners and borrowers and serving as Oklahoma local counsel when out-of-state lenders and lead counsel need assistance with Oklahoma property. His approach combines technical knowledge with an ability to anticipate what can go wrong, keep negotiations productive, and help clients reach closing with documents that support—not unnecessarily restrict—their business plans.

What Clients Say about Zach

Meet Attorney Zachary W. Allen

Experience

Zach's typical representations include*:

  • Representation of shopping center owners in lease transactions with numerous national and regional retail tenants, including Target, Hobby Lobby, Starbucks, Ross Dress for Less, CVS, Planet Fitness, HomeGoods, Sierra, Best Buy, Chick-fil-A, Aaron's, Harbor Freight Tools, Michael's, PetSmart, Burlington, Five Below, Party City, Northern Tool & Equipment, Ollie's, Sunflower Farmers Market, Urban Air, and Dollar Tree
  • Representation of lenders and owners in connection with real estate secured loan transactions, including frequently acting as borrower's counsel in connection with CMBS loans in several states
  • Representation of a national retailer in the negotiation of shopping center leases nationwide
  • Acting as lead leasing counsel for major office building owners
  • Representation of purchasers of distressed CMBS loans and foreclosed properties in various states
  • Representation of institutional lenders in real estate secured loan transactions in over 20 states
  • Representation of buyers and sellers in connection with the sale of undeveloped, office, retail, multifamily and other commercial properties
*Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its merits.

Credentials

  • Southern Methodist University, J.D., 1988
    • Law Review
    • Journal of Air Law & Commerce
  • University of Oklahoma, B.B.A., 1985
    • Special Distinction

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma

Honors & Awards

  • Board Certified Commercial Real Estate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1995
  • Best Lawyers, Construction Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law (2007 - Present)
  • Best Lawyers 2018 Lawyer of the Year (OKC) in Construction Law
  • Best Lawyers 2019 Lawyer of the Year (OKC) in Real Estate Law
  • Best Lawyers 2021 Lawyer of the Year (OKC) in Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Chambers USA, Band 2 in Real Estate Law
  • Oklahoma Super Lawyers, Real Estate (2011 - Present)

Community Service

  • Oklahoma Foundation For Excellence, Board of Trustees
  • Beta Theta Corporation of Oklahoma, President and Trustee