PETER BENUDIZ is a partner in Sidley’s Century City office and co-leader of the global Real Estate practice. He is also leading the firm’s Global Hospitality group. Recognized as one of the leading hospitality lawyers in the United States, Peter’s multidisciplinary practice focuses on all aspects touching hospitality and real estate. He is regularly called upon to provide strategic advice and guidance to boards of directors and senior management of operating businesses on various cross-border and domestic matters. Peter has advised on billions of dollars of hospitality, real estate, corporate finance and M&A deals, including domestic and cross-border leveraged private equity deals. He has counseled some of the world’s leading financial institutions and private equity funds on the acquisition, financing and restructuring of major real estate and hotel projects. Prior to joining Sidley, Peter was a partner at an international law firm and co-head of the Gaming and Hospitality group.
Peter’s numerous accolades include being ranked nationally in Band 1 for Leisure & Hospitality by Chambers USA since it began ranking lawyers nationally in the hospitality industry (2007-2021). He was also named a top real estate transactional attorney by the Daily Journal (2013).
Chambers USA has noted in its annual reviews and rankings over the years that Peter is unsurpassed within the hospitality sector, particularly with regard to finance matters, branded management company representation, and owner and investor management. Peers and clients cite that he:
- “is the go-to lawyer on hospitality matters. There is no lawyer better connected or respected by CEOs. His advice is sought after for business strategies and complex deals. He goes beyond the traditional legal lens and captures the long-term strategy. Peter is the master chess player who is anticipating what moves will be played during the game and how his clients can act in the most proactive manner protecting their interests.” (2021)
- is “is incredibly well respected” and has “a great grasp of law and commercial instincts.” (2020)
- “draws high praise from interviewees for his complex transactional practice, for which he is called a ‘fabulous lawyer.’” (2019)
- is “one of the best hotel attorneys in the US.” He “has great business sense, he's a smart lawyer, and he's a pleasure to work with.” (2018)
Peter has been a featured speaker, moderator or panelist at more than 200 hospitality conferences addressing topics including cross-border transactions, financings, restructurings, management agreements and joint venture and corporate restructurings.
Peter earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was a teaching fellow at the Harvard University Government Department. He graduated with an A.B. from the University of California, Berkeley.