In more than 30 years of practice, Richard Spore has advised hundreds of real estate investors and other capitalists on how to best reach their business objectives through three primary areas: commercial real estate and lending, business and transaction planning, and business divorce. Richard has represented private investors, publicly traded REITs and institutional lenders in commercial real estate projects across the nation. He has been at the center of numerous high profile transactions in Memphis, including landmark buildings and projects such as International Place, Crescent Centre, Clark Tower, Hard Rock Cafe relocation, Overton Square and Crosstown Concourse.
Richard brings passion and curiosity about the law, and a practical, results-oriented approach to structuring complicated deals, creating plans to solve a wide range of complex business problems, and helping clients execute on those strategies.
Urban Land Institute (ULI), Memphis Chapter
ULI Technical Assistance Panel — Chair (2018)
Lambda Alpha International
Memphis Botanic Gardens — Board Member and Volunteer Legal Counsel (2006-2010)
Memphis Bar Association
Tennessee Bar Association
American Bar Association
Representation of Neighborhood Preservation Inc. (NPI) in acquiring a number of tax sale parcels of land as part of an effort to redevelop a blighted area in Memphis
Represented Southern Properties, Inc. in obtaining approval for up to $96.4 million in tax increment financing (TIF)
Represented the Poplar Corridor Business District Association of Owners in obtaining approval for use of tax increment financing (TIF) funds estimated to exceed $80 million
Pro bono representation of Memphis to help the city draft a new blight ordinance
Represented Dobbs Equity Partners in its acquisition of a majority interest in Corky’s.
Represented a joint-venture affiliate of a real estate investment and management firm in the $60 million purchase of an office building in Baltimore
Represented an affiliate of Morning Calm Management in acquiring an office building in Boca Raton, Florida
Represented real estate investment firm In-Rel Properties, Inc. in the $32 million purchase of the Meidinger Towers office building in Louisville, Kentucky
Closed the modification and extension of $1.6 billion multiyear and $400 million 364 day credit facility to AutoZone, Inc.
Chambers USA — Real Estate (2008-2022)
Best Lawyers® — Memphis Banking and Finance Law “Lawyer of the Year” Memphis (2022); Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law “Lawyer of the Year” (2021, 2017, 2013); Memphis Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) “Lawyer of the Year” (2019, 2015)
The Best Lawyers in America© — Banking and Finance Law; Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Project Finance Law; Real Estate Law (2006-2023)
Memphis Business Journal “Best of the Bar” — Private Firm, Medium (2016 finalist)
Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006-2022)
Bass, Berry & Sims — Memphis office, Managing Partner; Former Executive Committee Member