Atty. Richard Heaton
Richard’s practice focuses on real estate transactions, including development, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, joint ventures and fund formation. He represents developers, managers, institutional investors, investment advisors, public and private real estate companies, REITs and financial institutions, helping them navigate complex legal matters related to property development, investment structures, operations and compliance issues.
Profile Summary
About Richard Heaton at a glance
Richard Heaton is a Shareholder based in Houston, Texas, practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. They have 22+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2004. Their practice focuses on real estate. Admitted to practice in New York (2004) and Texas (2006). Educated at New York University School of Law (J.D. Member, 2003) and Brigham Young University (B.A., 1998). Serands clients in Houston, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Richard’s practice focuses on real estate transactions, including development, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, joint ventures and fund formation
- He represents developers, managers, institutional investors, investment advisors, public and private real estate companies, REITs and financial institutions, helping them navigate complex legal matters related to property development, investment structures, operations and compliance issues
- His background as counsel for real estate organizations provides him with practical insights into the business challenges facing clients in the real estate industry
- Richard previously served as the Chief Legal and Compliance officer at Hines, a vertically integrated real estate investment manager, where he oversaw the global Legal, Compliance and Risk Management functions
- He built and managed an in-house legal department focused on delivering business-oriented transaction support and process improvements
- His experience also includes serving as a member of the firm’s Audit & Compliance Committee, Geopolitical Council and ESG Council
- Concentrations • Acquisitions and dispositions • Joint ventures • Real estate finance • Private equity • Fund formation • Cross-border • Leasing • Development Experience In-House Experience • Hines, 2013-2025 - Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, 2021-2025 - Senior Vice President – Head of Legal, 2017-2021 - Vice President, Legal, 2014-2017 - Corporate Counsel, 2007-2012 • Assistant General Counsel, NewQuest, 2007-2012 Recognition & Leadership Awards & Accolades • Selected, Houston Business Journal, “Best Corporate Counsel,” 2009 • Selected, Texas Lawbook, “Best General Counsel Finalist,” 2025
Practice Areas Explained
Richard Heaton's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Richard Heaton handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Richard Heaton is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Texas
Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Houston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Houston or all attorneys in Texas.
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