At least one legal firm continues to grow as demand for real estate-related legal expertise increases. Akerman Senterfitt adds to its US real estate practice two attorneys and a consultant with experience in mortgage finance, public-private investment and economic development. “Akerman has seen a continuing demand for real estate lawyers with experience in key areas, such as distressed property investing, loan workouts, alternative forms of financing, and affordable housing,” said Richard Bezold, chair of Akerman’s real estate practice, in a media statement today. Joining the firm’s Jacksonville office as a shareholder, Robert Leapley brings significant distressed property experience, assisting lenders and borrowers with restructurings and commercial real estate loan workouts. Robert Drillings, an affordable housing expert and the former general counsel to the New York State Housing Finance Agency, joins Akerman’s New York office with a primary focus on the development and financing of governmentally assisted low-, mixed-, and moderate-income multifamily residential housing. Also joining the firm’s New York office is consultant Beth Zafonte, who specializes in economic incentives and alternative financing arrangements. Write to Diana Golobay.