WORKBOX ADDS BENSON AS EXEC VP, GENERAL COUNSEL

Workbox, the Chicago-based specialized flexible office operator, has named Kristen Benson the company’s first executive vice president, general counsel. In this new role, Benson brings more than 25 years of legal experience and will advise on real estate partnerships, corporate structure and the company's in-house venture fund, Workbox Ventures.

Prior to joining Workbox, Benson served as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Care Capital Properties Inc., a $4 billion publicly traded healthcare real estate investment trust, from the time of its spin-off by Ventas Inc. until its acquisition by Sabra Healthcare REIT Inc.

Before Care Capital, Benson held various positions of increasing responsibility within Ventas, eventually serving as its senior vice president, associate general counsel and corporate secretary. She began her professional career as an associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, where her principal practice areas were securities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and corporate finance.

Benson received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and her B.B.A. summa cum laude in finance and computer applications from the University of Notre Dame.

Helweil has represented many of New York City’s largest landlords and tenants in various commercial leasing matters involving ground leases, office leases, retail leases, subleases and other related transactions. He has also advised both purchasers and sellers in complex negotiations focused on the sale, purchase and financing of commercial properties throughout the country. He has also represented several building owners in connection with leasehold condominium conversions.

Helweil earned his B.A. from New York University and his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He joins Loeb & Loeb from Fried Frank.