Walter H. Neilsen

Walter H. Neilsen is a partner in Holland & Knight LLP’s Nashville office, focusing his practice on real estate law with a special emphasis on healthcare real estate transactions. He advises healthcare real estate investment trusts (REITs), hospital systems, and other healthcare providers on a range of property matters. Clients value his deep experience, practical insight, and personal approach when handling complex real estate deals.

Walter earned his B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School. He is licensed to practice in Tennessee and is an active member of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), and the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA). His commitment to the real estate and healthcare industries helps clients navigate both market and regulatory challenges.

As national leasing counsel for a publicly traded healthcare REIT, Walter assists with medical office building (MOB) developments and negotiates long-term leases with third-party developers. He provides valuable guidance on issues intersecting with federal Stark law, anti-kickback statutes, and other healthcare regulations. His work helps healthcare providers develop and operate medical facilities that comply with complex laws while meeting patient and community needs.

Walter H. Neilsen frequently shares his knowledge as a speaker and writer in the healthcare real estate field. He is the past chair of the Real Estate Affinity Group for the American Health Law Association (AHLA) and the regulatory compliance section for the BOMA Medical Office Building and Healthcare Facilities Conference. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America guide for real estate law since 2020, Walter continues to help clients close deals effectively while staying ahead of industry developments.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
• Member, Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
• Member, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)
• Member, National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT)
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Health Law Association (AHLA)

Licensed State

• Tennessee

Education

• Vanderbilt University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Pennsylvania
  BS in Economics

Awards & Badges