Sheila Kailus

Sheila Kailus’ background combines 15 years as in-house counsel for commercial real estate companies with her more recent role as a partner in private practice with Jenner & Block gives her unique insight that helps her offer creative legal and business solutions to her clients.

Since joining Jenner & Block in 2018, Kailus has advised clients on acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing and development of commercial real estate. She also represents both borrowers and lenders in connection with complex financings involving commercial real estate.

As part of a Jenner & Block team that advised Albertsons in its recently announced $25 billion merger with Kroger, Kailus handled real estate aspects of the deal that involved thousands of locations nationwide. The transaction, expected to close in 2024, is among the largest mergers announced this year so far. 

Kailus is also a pro bono advocate who commits many hours each year to providing legal services at no cost to those in need. During the pandemic, she represented Housing Forward in leasing the Write Inn Hotel in Oak Park, Illinois to temporarily house the nonprofit organization’s homeless clients.

Throughout her career, Kailus has mentored young lawyers and paralegals. In 2020, she was recognized with the Jenner & Block Mentorship Award. Kailus is also an active volunteer for Princeton University, her alma mater.

These are some of the reasons why we are honoring Sheila Kailus with Connect CRE’s 2022 Chicago & Midwest Lawyers in Real Estate Award. The award celebrates real estate attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their practice and the larger community.