Evan D. Harms

Evan is a partner in AGG’s Real Estate practice and a member of the Retail industry team. He concentrates on commercial real estate transactions, including retail and mixed-use leasing, development, acquisitions and dispositions, and the operational issues facing owners, developers, and retail platforms. With more than two decades of experience in both senior in-house legal leadership and private practice roles, Evan advises retail, mixed-use, and commercial real estate clients on sophisticated leasing strategies, portfolio management, development projects, financing matters, and operational risk management across markets nationwide.

Before joining AGG, Evan served as deputy general counsel for over 11 years for one of the country’s leading retail real estate owners, operators, and developers. Working closely with executive leadership and business teams, he understands the operational and strategic considerations that drive successful retail real estate platforms. That experience informs Evan’s practical, business-focused approach to client service today. He is acutely aware of how owners, developers, and retailers evaluate risk, create value, and move projects forward, allowing him to provide counsel that aligns legal strategy with broader business objectives. Clients rely on him not only to negotiate and document complex transactions, but also to help solve problems efficiently, facilitate deals, and support long-term growth initiatives.

Evan counsels owners, developers, landlords, retailers, and investors on complex commercial leasing transactions, redevelopment projects, joint ventures, acquisitions and dispositions, and asset management matters. His experience includes negotiating high-profile leases with grocery stores and other retail anchors, restaurants, office users, and national and international retailers, often in connection with large-scale mixed-use developments and redevelopments. He also advises clients on operational risk issues, financing matters, and the day-to-day legal challenges that arise throughout the lifecycle of commercial real estate assets.

An active leader in the retail real estate industry, Evan serves on the International Council of Shopping Centers (“ICSC”) Legal Advisory Council and is a frequent speaker on commercial leasing and retail real estate issues.