Seattle-based Perkins Coie has opened an office in Dallas, which the law firm says will allow it to better serve the interests of national clients in Texas. Former Greenberg Traurig shareholder Steven R. Smith has joined the firm and will head the new office, focusing his practice on real estate workouts and lending.

The addition of Smith helps Perkins expand its representation of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) special servicer clients, many of which have offices in Dallas.

"We are committed to expanding our real estate capabilities and Steve will help us pursue that strategic goal,” states Perkins Managing Partner Bob Giles.

In addition to representing CMBS special servicers, Smith will represent conduit and other lenders involved in the financing of commercial real estate. He brings to the firm experience working with defeasance transactions, assumptions, loan modifications, REMIC tax issues, pooling and servicing agreement compliance and review, workouts, receiverships, foreclosure, bankruptcies, asset dispositions, litigation, and loan sales.