Panoramic: Automotive and Mobility 2025
Blake Soper
Associate Corporate & Finance
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Overview
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Experience
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Credentials
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Insights and events
Blake Soper helps lenders and developers navigate the complexities of commercial real estate finance - especially when the stakes are high and the structures are layered. Known for his proactive approach and prompt communication, Blake is trusted to identify and resolve issues early, keep transactions moving, and adapt to shifting deal dynamics.
Blake’s practice focuses on representing lending clients nationwide in originating, selling, and servicing loans destined for secondary market investors like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other financial institutions. He also advises borrowers seeking agency financing, drawing on deep experience with Fannie and Freddie programs to guide projects from concept to closing.
Blake has significant experience with construction, mezzanine, bridge, and mortgage financing, often within the context of affordable housing transactions. He is particularly skilled at managing deals involving low-income housing tax credits, Section 8 subsidies, tax increment financing, and layered financing structures. Clients rely on Blake not just for technical precision, but for his ability to anticipate regulatory hurdles and align project goals with agency expectations. Whether it’s a 9% tax credit forward commitment or a multifaceted refinance, Blake brings clarity and momentum to the process.
Outside of his legal work, Blake is committed to expanding access to affordable housing and regularly engages in initiatives that support community development.
Representative experience
Sole counsel for Fannie Mae portfolio including US$210m in multifamily loans involving condo declarations, TIC borrowers, shared amenities, and complex regulatory agreements.*
Led construction and 9% Freddie forward deals for four NYC Affordable Housing projects with HPD, HDC, HHAC, Section 8, tax abatements, and nonprofit borrowers.*
Counsel for US$43m Freddie forward and construction loan on subleased affordable housing in Chicago with ground lease, commercial leases, and shared amenities.*
Handled US$30m Freddie forward and construction loan with LIHTC, market units, TIF bonds, mezzanine financing, and commercial leases for Indiana 80/20 Project.*
Sole counsel for bridge and mezzanine financing on seven Texas projects with bond financing, letters of credit, and regulatory agreements.*
Counsel for Minnesota second and third position equity bridge loans with 22 subordinate loans, bond financing, and environmental remediation.*
Counsel for Ohio construction and equity bridge loans with Freddie 4% TEL, bond financing, tax abatement, and environmental remediation.*
Represented Florida housing authority as ground lessor and co-developer in Freddie 9% forward and construction financing for affordable housing.*
*Matter handled prior to joining Hogan Lovells.
Credentials
Education
- J.D., University of Minnesota, 2018
- B.A., Western Kentucky University, 2015
Bar admissions and qualifications
- Minnesota
- Minnesota