Bell Offers Insights on the Evolving 2026 Commercial Real Estate Market in Law360

01.09.2026

Stinson LLP Partner Mark Bell authored an "Expert Analysis" column in Law360 examining the commercial real estate (CRE) market heading into 2026. The article highlights how disciplined lending, early refinancing discussions, and collaborative approaches among borrowers, lenders and investors are shaping what may become the "new normal" for the industry.

Bell explains that while office vacancies and nonaccruals persist, many lenders are opting for strategic restructurings rather than forced sales or foreclosures. "For clients with maturing capital stacks or older assets facing market headwinds, legal strategy will be as important as operational planning," Bell writes, emphasizing the value of proactive engagement and realistic business planning.

He also outlines how CRE dynamics intersect with broader businesses challenges, creating opportunities for corporate counsel, employment attorneys, litigators and restructuring advisers. He notes that sector differences, such as strength in multifamily and industrial assets versus ongoing office sector challenges, require tailored legal strategies, including adaptive reuse, environmental, tax credit and valuation-focused work.

Bell's practice is focused on representing banks and other financial institutions in both litigation and corporate transactional matters. He also frequently handles complex real estate and commercial matters, bankruptcy, restructuring and creditors' rights, and general corporate litigation in state and federal courts nationwide.

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