NEW YORK CITY-One year after joining Holland & Knight, the firm announced on Tuesday that real estate attorney Stuart Saft has been named practice leader for the firm's New York real estate practice and co-chair of its global hospitality, resort and time share group. Drawing on his decades of experience in the industry, Saft now is tasked with expanding Holland & Knight's presence in the city.

“Stuart Saft has represented many of the city's most important owners and developers, helping to transform the landscape of New York real estate,” says Joe Guay, real estate section leader at the firm, in the announcement. “His knowledge and experience make him a natural to lead our NY real estate practice and co-chair the hospitality group, where he will continue to provide great value to all of the firm's real estate clients.”

In the past year, he's increased the firm's profile by representing of a number of high-profile hotel and residential projects around New York City, including the first Baccarat Hotel, developed by Starwood Capital and Tribeca Associates, which will also feature luxury condominium residences; the new 34-story hotel development by Starwood Capital and the Moinian Group's at 237 W 54^th St.; Marriott Hotels and the Ritz Carlton on a number of pending deals in New York and across the country; HFZ Capital in the development of the Halcyon, on 51^st Street and the firm's newest projects, the conversion at 11 East 68^th St. and 11 Beach St.; the representation of Harry Macklowe in his conversion of two Upper East Side properties, located at 737 Park Ave. and 150 E. 72^nd St; construction lenders in the development of two mixed-use condominium towers; two developers in assemblages; and three property owners in the sale of their development rights.