Paul A. Arena 
Partner
Education

University of North Carolina, JD, 1996

University of North Carolina, BA, 1993

Professional and Community Activities

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Zoning Board of Adjustment, Alternate Member
Board Certified Specialist in Real Property Law: Business, Commercial and Industrial Transactions
Durham City/County Board of Adjustment, Alternate Member, 2006 – 2007
North Carolina Bar Association (Real Property Law Section, Business Law Section, and Land Use Section)
Mecklenburg County Bar Association
26th Judicial District Bar Association
National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
Urban Land Institute
Leadership Raleigh, Class 22 Graduate
Member of Land Acquisition Committee, Catawba Lands Conservancy, Charlotte, NC
Volunteer Advisor to High Country Conservancy, Boone, NC, 2002-2005
Adjunct Professor, Pfeiffer University MBA School, “Business Law”, Summer 2002

Notable Accomplishments
Jurisdictions Licensed
301 S. College Street, Suite 2300, Charlotte, NC 28202t: 704.342.5297|
f: 704.342.5264|

Paul's practice focuses on acquisition, disposition, financing, development, capitalization and leasing of real property. He represents lenders and borrowers in real estate loan transactions. He represents lenders, borrowers and investors in distressed real estate workouts, acquisitions and dispositions. His practice includes all aspects of real estate development. He advises real estate investors on the tax implications of real estate transactions, including conventional and reverse tax-deferred exchanges. He represents local government and quasi-governmental entities regarding real estate, development, contract and other transactional matters. He has served as local counsel to a national wireless telecommunications firm with respect to antenna and tower leases, preparation of business decision letters assessing risk of non-uniform lease provisions and title defects, and counsel regarding municipal ordinances. He advises business people regarding financial issues and entity selection and formation.

Representative Experience

  • Represented bank in $15,000,000.00 acquisition and development loan secured by statutory riparian easement, marina facilities and non-profit yacht club interests.
  • Represented developer of residential condominium tower in drafting and negotiation of master condominium declaration between client and master developer of mixed use project.

read all representative experience

Prior Legal Experience

Prior to joining Poyner Spruill, Paul practiced with Holt York McDarris & High, LLP in Raleigh and Hutson, Hughes & Powell, P.A. in Durham.
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