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David L. Hillman

Partner
Raleigh, NC
  • T.
  • 919.981.4065
  • F.
  • 919.981.4300

David Hillman counsels developers, investors and lenders in a wide variety of complex commercial real estate transactions, including development, sales, acquisitions, and leasing for both landlords and tenants. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in these transactions, David provides strategic legal counsel to protect clients’ interests at every stage.

A trusted advisor, David is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality legal services tailored to the specific needs of each client, including institutional landlords, private property owners, developers, and corporate tenants. He has handled numerous leasing transactions and complex deals, ranging from small retail spaces to large-scale developments. 

David prides himself on his professionalism, integrity, dependability, and pragmatism. These traits are critical to effective representation in commercial real estate deals and development projects. Practical, well-reasoned solutions are essential for significant, high-stakes transactions.

David embraces client-oriented advocacy and respects the client’s concerns, needs, and risk tolerances. He invests in the client relationship, listening closely, identifying drawbacks, and helping the client evaluate and navigate legal risks. He aims to understand the client’s business and personal preferences so that he can guide them in accordance with their true objectives. Earning the appreciation of clients is what drives David to perform and is the most enjoyable aspect of his work.

David earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Washington and Lee University School of Law, where he served as chair of the Moot Court Board, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Education
  • Washington and Lee University School of Law (J.D.), 2008

    cum laude

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A.), 2004
Professional & Community Affiliations

Professional Affiliations

  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • National Association for Industrial Office Parks, Raleigh Durham Chapter
Bar & Court Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • North Carolina State Bar
Honors

Best Lawyers in America® – Real Estate Law (2020-present) 

Business North Carolina – Legal Elite, Young Guns (2013), Real Estate (2013, 2015-present) 

North Carolina Super Lawyers – Rising Star, Real Estate (2016-present)

Chambers USA – Up and Coming (2024)

Experience

  • Advising developers and investors on the acquisition and development of land for residential, commercial and industrial developments.
  • Advising developers and investors on the acquisition of income-producing properties, including multi-family projects and office buildings.
  • Advising sellers on the disposition of various real estate assets, including raw land, developed lots and income-producing properties.
  • Reviewing, negotiating and drafting commercial ground leases and space leases for office, flex, warehouse, industrial and retail uses on behalf of landlords and tenants.
  • Advising lenders and borrowers on the negotiation, documentation and closing of commercial loans, including acquisition and development loans, construction loans, permanent financing, lines of credit and other debt finance.
  • Negotiating, restructuring and resolving distressed real estate debt for commercial, industrial, retail, office, condominium, residential, raw land, and golf course projects.
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