April Vasquez Leibman
Practice Areas
Experience
- Construction & Development
- Industrial Real Estate
- Investment, Leasing, & Management
- Multifamily & Residential Real Estate
- Office Real Estate
- Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition
- Retail & Mixed Use Real Estate
âApril is a skilled lawyer with excellent negotiation skills.â
— Source Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
Biography
April Vasquez Leibman is a commercial real estate attorney who advises clients on the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and development of complex real estate assets across the country. Her practice spans industrial, office, retail, mixedâuse, and multifamily projects, and she regularly guides investors, developers, landlords, and tenants through sophisticated transactions involving multiâproperty portfolios, multiâstate leasing programs, and largeâscale development initiatives.
April has extensive experience drafting and negotiating construction agreements, including AIAâbased architect and contractor contracts, for projects ranging from office headquarters and schools to retail centers and automotive facilities, to multifamily and student housing. She is skilled at identifying operational, riskâallocation, and timing considerations that shape construction and development strategy, offering practical guidance that keeps projects moving efficiently.
In addition to her work on major sales, acquisitions, and development deals, April frequently manages complex leasing matters, including portfolio leasing, buildâtoâsuit arrangements, and specialty agreements such as airport leases.
Education
B.A., University of Texas at Austin
J.D., cum laude, South Texas College of Law Houston
- Staff Member, South Texas Law Review
Bar Admissions
Texas
- Sale of multiple industrial properties, including built-to-sale projects, with a combined sales price of $500,000,000
- Represented two state of Texas institutions for the preparation and negotiation of a collaborative lease with another large state of Texas institution and a Texas Medical Center non-profit for a large development at the Texas Medical Center
- Acquisition of a 16 building, 800,000 square foot office and retail complex with a purchase price in excess of $200,000,000
- Sale of a 4 building, 460,000 square foot office complex housing entertainment production companies with a sale price in excess of $300,000,000
- Acquisition of an 11 building, 800,000 square foot business park comprised of office and lab space
- Sale of a 700,000 square foot, 32 acre retail complex housing design companies and related retail with a purchase price in excess of $130,000,000
- Acquisition of a 175,000 square foot historic building in Portland, Oregon
- Acquisition of a multiple vehicle brand dealership including 4 real estate properties for an international automotive dealer
- Represented a national retail tenant for the preparation and negotiation of over 40 lease amendments in connection with a Chapter 11 reorganization
- Preparation and negotiation of construction contracts for an international automotive dealer
- Leasing for a portfolio of office buildings in Texas, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland, Nebraska, and Georgia
- Preparation of construction contracts for the development of a Class A office building in downtown Houston, Texas
- Preparation of construction contracts for the development of a charter school in Houston, Texas
- Preparation of a lease for 77,000 square feet in a Class A office building in Houston, Texas
- Represented Houston-based automotive dealer in the sale of six dealerships and collision repair centers located in Beaumont, Texas
- Preparation of a data center lease for a large tenant with an international presence
- Representation of a purchaser in the acquisition of a 65-acre lot in Teton County, Wyoming
- Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Real Estate â Texas, 2024-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2021-2024, 2026
- Real Estate Law, 2021-2024, 2026
- Construction Law, 2026
- “Top Lawyers” List, H Texas magazine, 2010
- Houston Professionals on the Fast Track
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2010, 2013-2017
In the News
- “COVID-19 Shut-Downs Have Law Firms Wondering How Much Real Estate They Really Need,” Law.com, April, 20, 2020
- “Rethinking Law Firm Real Estate When the Office Is Empty,” Law.com, March, 27, 2020
- Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA), Member, 2018
- Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)
- Landmark Awards, CREW Committee
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
In Memoriam: A Tribute to Michael Kuhn
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our friend and partner Michael Kuhn on April 15, 2025. Michael was a cherished member of our team and a beloved friend to many. His contributions to our firm and the legal community were immense, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
Spotlight • May 6, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.
Attorney News • August 20, 2020
COVID-19 Shut-Downs Have Law Firms Wondering How Much Real Estate They Really Need | The Mid-Market Report
Real estate partner April Vasquez Leibman was featured in The Mid-Market Report discussing how the mandated work-from-home policies will accelerate the trend toward reduced square footage and more collaborative work spaces.
Mentions • April 20, 2020
Representing all types of owners in real estate and construction matters including:
- Real estate investment companies including one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the world
- A Fortune 500 automotive retailer
- A world renowned public institution based on Houston
Practice Experience
- Sale of multiple industrial properties, including built-to-sale projects, with a combined sales price of $500,000,000
- Represented two state of Texas institutions for the preparation and negotiation of a collaborative lease with another large state of Texas institution and a Texas Medical Center non-profit for a large development at the Texas Medical Center
- Acquisition of a 16 building, 800,000 square foot office and retail complex with a purchase price in excess of $200,000,000
- Sale of a 4 building, 460,000 square foot office complex housing entertainment production companies with a sale price in excess of $300,000,000
- Acquisition of an 11 building, 800,000 square foot business park comprised of office and lab space
- Sale of a 700,000 square foot, 32 acre retail complex housing design companies and related retail with a purchase price in excess of $130,000,000
- Acquisition of a 175,000 square foot historic building in Portland, Oregon
- Acquisition of a multiple vehicle brand dealership including 4 real estate properties for an international automotive dealer
- Represented a national retail tenant for the preparation and negotiation of over 40 lease amendments in connection with a Chapter 11 reorganization
- Preparation and negotiation of construction contracts for an international automotive dealer
- Leasing for a portfolio of office buildings in Texas, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland, Nebraska, and Georgia
- Preparation of construction contracts for the development of a Class A office building in downtown Houston, Texas
- Preparation of construction contracts for the development of a charter school in Houston, Texas
- Preparation of a lease for 77,000 square feet in a Class A office building in Houston, Texas
- Represented Houston-based automotive dealer in the sale of six dealerships and collision repair centers located in Beaumont, Texas
- Preparation of a data center lease for a large tenant with an international presence
- Representation of a purchaser in the acquisition of a 65-acre lot in Teton County, Wyoming
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Real Estate â Texas, 2024-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2021-2024, 2026
- Real Estate Law, 2021-2024, 2026
- Construction Law, 2026
- “Top Lawyers” List, H Texas magazine, 2010
- Houston Professionals on the Fast Track
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2010, 2013-2017
Publications & Speeches
In the News
- “COVID-19 Shut-Downs Have Law Firms Wondering How Much Real Estate They Really Need,” Law.com, April, 20, 2020
- “Rethinking Law Firm Real Estate When the Office Is Empty,” Law.com, March, 27, 2020
Community Involvement
- Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA), Member, 2018
- Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)
- Landmark Awards, CREW Committee
Areas of Focus
Representing all types of owners in real estate and construction matters including:
- Real estate investment companies including one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the world
- A Fortune 500 automotive retailer
- A world renowned public institution based on Houston