The law firm Frost Brown Todd (FBT) has announced the appointment of Beth Freemal as a new partner in its Cincinnati office. Freemal joins the firm's Real Estate practice group, bringing extensive experience from her previous role as a general counsel for a national real estate investment company.
Her arrival is expected to enhance the firm's capabilities in handling complex real estate transactions across the country. Firm leadership highlighted her unique combination of legal expertise and direct business management experience as a key asset for both the Cincinnati office and FBT's national client base.
Key Takeaways
- Beth Freemal has joined Frost Brown Todd's Cincinnati office as a partner in the Real Estate practice group.
- She previously served as general counsel for a national real estate investment company, managing a large and diverse portfolio.
- Freemal's experience combines high-level legal transactional skills with a client-side business perspective.
- Her appointment is part of FBT's ongoing expansion of its national platform.
A Strategic Hire for National Growth
Frost Brown Todd's decision to bring Beth Freemal on board is a strategic move to strengthen its nationally recognized real estate practice. Leaders at the firm have pointed to her background as particularly valuable for advising clients through multifaceted deals.
Christina Sprecher, who leads FBT’s Real Estate practice group, commented on the appointment. She emphasized Freemal's unique qualifications.
"Beth brings a rare blend of high-level transactional skill and business acumen to our real estate team," Sprecher said. "Her background as general counsel managing a diverse, multimillion-dollar portfolio gives her a sophisticated understanding of both the legal and operational sides of real estate transactions."
This dual perspective is seen as a significant advantage, allowing the firm to provide more comprehensive counsel that anticipates both legal hurdles and business challenges.
The Value of a Client-Side Perspective
Freemal's transition from an in-house general counsel role to a law firm partner provides FBT with an invaluable internal resource. Having been the client herself, she understands the pressures, priorities, and operational demands that businesses face during major real estate transactions.
Chris Habel, the partner-in-charge of FBT’s Cincinnati office, noted that this experience complements the firm's collaborative culture.
"Her experience as a general counsel also adds an invaluable client-side perspective that complements our collaborative culture," Habel stated. "She’s known for being both strategic and pragmatic—someone who can quickly identify solutions and move projects forward."
About Frost Brown Todd
Frost Brown Todd is a national law firm with over 600 attorneys serving a wide range of clients, from emerging companies to major corporations. The firm operates offices across more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C., providing legal services in areas such as business transactions, litigation, finance, and real estate.
An Extensive Background in Real Estate Investment
Prior to joining Frost Brown Todd, Freemal directed all legal operations for a major national real estate investment company. Her responsibilities covered a vast and varied portfolio, giving her firsthand experience in multiple sectors of the commercial real estate market.
Portfolio at a Glance: During her time as general counsel, Beth Freemal oversaw legal operations for a portfolio that included more than 100 downtown parking facilities, 16 off-airport locations, and over two million square feet of warehouse space.
This role required a deep understanding of the full lifecycle of real estate and finance. Her work involved structuring multimillion-dollar acquisitions and sales, as well as advising on complex financial instruments.
Her areas of expertise include:
- Commercial Lending
- Securitization
- Structured Finance Transactions
- Acquisitions and Sales
- Leasing and Portfolio Management
This hands-on experience in managing large-scale assets is expected to translate directly into practical, business-focused advice for FBT's clients.
A Recognized Leader in Law and Community
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Beth Freemal is a recognized leader in her field and community. She has received several prestigious awards that acknowledge her impact and leadership abilities.
Among her distinctions are the Ohio Women’s Conference Glass Ceiling Award and the Cincinnati YWCA Rising Star distinction. These awards celebrate women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and broken barriers in their professions.
Freemal is also an alumna of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s WE Lead Program, a highly regarded leadership development program for women executives. Her commitment to community service is further demonstrated by her board service for organizations such as McAuley High School and TimeLine Theatre Company.
Looking Forward
Freemal's addition to the firm comes at a time of continued growth for Frost Brown Todd. She expressed her own enthusiasm for joining the team and contributing to its future success.
"It’s an exciting time to join Frost Brown Todd as the firm continues to expand its national platform," Freemal said. "I look forward to contributing to that growth and providing clients with the highest level of practical, business-focused counsel."
Her role will focus on advising a wide range of clients, including obligors, lenders, underwriters, and issuers, on all aspects of commercial lending, leasing, and other complex financial transactions, reinforcing the firm's position as a trusted advisor in the national real estate market.
