MoveMakers and NewsMakers for June 16, 2026

St. Louis | Kansas City | Other States

St. Louis

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced today that Hillary Bean, a highly respected commercial real estate and leasing attorney who handles transactions of all sizes, has joined the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group as a partner, based in the St. Louis office.

Bean advises real estate owners, developers, investors, landlords and tenants in sophisticated acquisitions, dispositions, development projects and leasing matters. Her experience includes negotiating and drafting commercial leases, purchase and sale agreements, development agreements and related transaction documents for office, retail, industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, mixed-use and flex properties.

“Hillary’s impressive skill handling the full spectrum of commercial real estate matters makes her an ideal addition to our team,” said Diane Haller, national chair of the Real Estate Practice Group. “Whether it’s a local business looking to start growing or a Fortune 100 company implementing a complex long-term strategy, Hillary brings a practical approach that’s always centered on helping the client achieve their business objectives.”

Previously a partner at another Am Law 200 firm, Bean also counsels on build-to-suit and design-build development projects; land use, development, financing and construction matters; acquisition and disposition transactions; and environmental risk allocation and mitigation strategies.

Recognized by Chambers USA in the Business and Real Estate categories each year since 2020 and Best Lawyers in America (Real Estate) each year since 2018, Bean earned a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and J.D. from Washington University School of Law.

“I am thrilled to join Quarles and become part of such a respected and dynamic real estate practice,” Bean said. “The firm's depth of experience, resources and strong reputation in the market make it an exciting place to continue growing my practice. There is a genuine sense of teamwork and shared commitment to client service that is evident throughout the group and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues.”

Other states

Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to welcome Nicholas M. Cornell to the firm’s Overland Park, Kansas, office as an associate in the Corporate and Business Transactions Practice Group.

Cornell assists clients with a wide range of corporate transactions and general business matters, developing agile solutions to help companies achieve strategic objectives at all stages of growth. He has experience drafting corporate documents from entity formation through deal execution.

A future-oriented advisor, Cornell focuses on how rapidly changing data privacy laws and regulations impact mergers and acquisitions, assessing risk and all possible implications before guiding clients toward compliant, financially efficient solutions.

“Nicholas has demonstrated the proactive decision-making and resilience under pressure that our accomplished transactions team is known for and will continue to help him cultivate,” said David E. Waters, office managing partner for Spencer Fane in Overland Park. “As we officially welcome him to the Overland Park team, we look forward to how he will grow his legal practice here and in his broader practice group, which spans dozens of our national offices.”

In 2025, Cornell notably served as the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Business and Transactional Law Committee Chair. Cornell earned his bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from The University of Kansas. He is licensed to practice in both Kansas and Missouri.