Real Estate: California

THE FIRM This team is particularly noted for its leasing work and representation of developers, although it is also strong on acquisitions, dispositions, equity restructuring, workouts and distressed assets. Its highly regarded attorneys garner widespread praise for their impressive business acumen.

Sources say: “A top-notch firm that delivers to high standards every time and regularly exceeds expectations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Matkins' expertise in leasing, financing, contract negotiation and joint venture agreements has cemented his reputation as one of the top real estate lawyers in California. He is "tremendously knowledgeable, persuasive and well connected." Interviewees highlight Richard Mallory for his 41 years' experience handling commercial leasing work and representing landlords and tenants. Practice chair Anton Natsis primarily focuses on complex leasing, which has recently involved a significant amount of property restructuring. He also regularly turns his "sharp and practical eye" to disputes, development projects and office buildings.

THE FIRM This group particularly excels in land use, although it also handles entitlements, development projects, PPPs, transactions and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations. Clients enthuse about its expertise, good working relationship with public officials, focus, and ability to overcome obstacles. It represents the San Francisco 49ers in the development of a new 68,000 seat National Football League (NFL) stadium worth $900 million.

Sources say: “It's a smart, hard working and creative team, with excellent technical and deal-making skills."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers recognize entitlement specialist Pamela Duffy as "a phenomenal practitioner and a true dean of the industry,"with clients confirming that she is "the finest CEQA attorney in California." She recently worked on the relocation of the Exploratorium to San Francisco's waterfront. Harry O'Brien advises developers on real estate transactions, commercial development and land use. He acts as lead counsel to the 49ers and is also advising on a 12,000-unit development in Silicon Valley. Clients admire his "ability to work through complex negotiations without missing a detail and consistently ensuring the best possible outcome."

THE FIRM This well-respected real estate boutique has offices in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is strong in land use, litigation, land development and entitlement matters and has recently been active in loan workouts and new sources of financing.

Sources say: “A brilliant practice that is almost exclusively focused on real estate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Zischke emphasizes CEQA litigation, land use and compliance, as well as crossover environmental work. He has also written a two-volume treatise on CEQA practice. The preeminent Kenneth Bley typically represents developers in land use entitlement and approvals, and continues to do extremely well in matters involving CEQA compliance, development and litigation. Lawrence Teplin is the firm's senior litigator, and the increase in this kind of work during the economic downturn has kept him busy with a number of significant and high-value cases. Ira Waldman excels at financing, workouts, and restructuring. Interviewees are quick to praise his "unbelievably good judgment; he has all the qualities you would want in a lawyer." Mathew Wyman is involved in new projects and refinancing in San Francisco, as well as handling joint venture work, acquisitions and dispositions. He is "a talented and creative lawyer with a terrific client following." Sources agree that Phillip Nicholson is "one of the best real estate lawyers in California." He is regularly instructed in highly complex transactional, litigious and consultancy matters.

THE FIRM This highly regarded team has particular expertise in PPP, entitlement and CEQA matters, and has recently seen an increase in restructuring-related transactions and litigation.

Sources say: “It houses a number of really great environmental lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Meyer is a prominent leasing specialist with a particularly strong commercial tenant practice. He has been significantly involved in a number of the state's largest recent transactions, and interviewees agree that he is "a tremendously skilled lawyer." Stephen Cowan is a "fabulously well-regarded lawyer" who specializes in leasing dispositions. He is recognized for his expertise in workouts and large transactions, which often involve sophisticated financing issues.

THE FIRM This team enters the rankings this year following strong market feedback for its high-quality and broad-ranging practice which spans planning, structuring, restructuring, acquisitions and financing. The effective and efficient team typically represents businesses, architects, designers, investors, lenders, asset managers and developers.

Sources say: “A highly professional and friendly group that has the depth and strength to handle any issues that may arise.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Vettel typically advises on land use, zoning, legislative advocacy, environmental review and redevelopment law, and counsels a range of development entities in the Bay Area. Clients describe him as an "extraordinarily attentive attorney with an impressively comprehensive knowledge base."

THE FIRM This sizable premier team is particularly strong on sophisticated high-end transactions. It is internationally recognized for the variety of its areas of expertise, with particular praise reserved for its work in bankruptcy, workout restructuring, contractual development, financing, acquisitions, land use and entitlements. Recently it has been receiving a significant amount of work advising on the remedial and distressed side of matters.

Sources say: “It is absolutely excellent; I have a very high regard for this group.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Fabulously skilled practitioner" Amy Forbes concentrates on land use, zoning, CEQA and municipal law matters. Mary Murphy is an equally skilled land use lawyer; her expertise in negotiating public-private deals has been key to numerous development projects around San Francisco. Dennis Arnold is "fantastically knowledgeable" about workouts, restructuring, bankruptcy and remedies. Admiring peers identify him as "the dean of Californian real estate." Group chair Jesse Sharf is held in extremely high regard, with sources lauding him as "the absolute cream of the crop." His "unquestionably terrific practice" spans high-end equity, debt finance, workout and enforcement matters and he has an enviable client roster that includes numerous major private equity funds, banks and investment banks. He recently represented Paulson in its $4 billion acquisition of a hotel chain out of bankruptcy. Michael Sfregola has recently been heavily involved in numerous hotel-related transactions. He is also well versed in capital markets, private equity and tax work. Interviewees praise his "impressive intellectual capability and great judgment." The "terrifically dedicated" Deborah Cussen excels at acquisition and lending transactions, representing lenders, operators, developers and investors.

THE FIRM This LA-based group largely focuses on local issues. It provides expert counsel in transactions, developments, purchase and sale agreements and leasing matters. Its solid client base includes numerous major developers and tenants.

Sources say: “This is a wonderfully proactive team that really accomplishes things and does what needs to be done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Gross is a "phenomenal negotiator and deal-maker" with particular expertise in high-end commercial real estate and business transactions, particularly when it comes to representing owners and landlords. He recently handled the renewal of a 350,000 sq ft lease for the Southern California Gas Company headquarters.

THE FIRM This fine practice specializes in the purchase, sale, financing and restructuring of real estate assets, as well as counseling on a range of transactional, corporate, land use, capital markets and REIT-related matters. It represents a combination of public and private real estate developers, investors, borrowers and lenders.

Sources say: “An absolutely excellent team of experts.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dean Pappas has a strong reputation for his work in financial real estate including joint ventures, acquisitions, dispositions, public contracting and debt equity. Interviewees agree that he is "a great technician who is much loved by clients." Lewis Feldman is widely respected as a public financing attorney, and peers admire him as an "incredibly commercially-minded and astute practitioner." Recent matters he has handled include numerous large infrastructure masterplan developments, infrastructure bonds and bankruptcy processes. Edward Hagerott Jr is involved in a number of significant transactions, primarily covering distressed space, corporate recovery and work for private equity clients.

THE FIRM This outstanding national firm has a tremendous depth of knowledge and resources; it is especially highlighted for its expertise in CEQA and land use matters and is a particularly strong player in Northern California. Its varied practice also encompasses climate, wetlands, endangered species, transportation residential development, regulatory permitting and public infrastructure work.

Sources say: “The team is noted for its extraordinary strength, innovation and expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees identify Jennifer Hernandez as "phenomenally good " for her work in land use. She has recently been advising Centennial Founders on the development of an 11,680-acre property in Los Angeles County. Susan Booth is regularly instructed by lenders and she has recently been particularly active in matters relating to data centers. Interviewees agree that her strong commercial awareness affords her a practical and solution-oriented approach.

THE FIRM This group of top-quality attorneys is incredibly well respected for its transactional and land use practice, although it also has expertise across a range of other areas including project finance and master development projects. Of late it has been increasing its strength in the renewable energy sector.

Sources say: “A terrific land use group with some phenomenal attorneys.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees laud George Mihlsten as a "truly amazing lawyer" in land use planning. He has been busy with NBC Universal’s plan for a 391-acre Universal Studios site in Los Angeles, which would include approximately 2,900 residential units and 2 million sq ft of new hotel, studio, office, and entertainment-related space. Cindy Starrett is chair of the land use and climate change practice groups, and is well known for her expertise in zoning and entitlement issues. She has recently been working on infrastructure plans, transportation, a number of hospitality transactions and a large pension fund. Donald Berger is a transactional attorney with expertise in representing financial institutions and borrowers. He played a key role in Deutsche Bank's restructuring and workout of $575 million worth of syndicated loans in relation to an office building portfolio. Kevin Ehrhart recently joined the team from Allen Matkins. He maintains a strong presence in sales transactions and has recently represented a number of large real estate players in company and debt restructuring.

THE FIRM This firm has five offices across California, and is noted for its land use, transactional and planning work. Of late, the team has been handling a comprehensive range of distressed assets, purchases, sales, loans, partnerships, leases, and all kinds of workouts. Clients value the group for its efficient and effective service.

Sources say: “It treats clients incredibly well; it is always quick to respond and cuts straight to the heart of the matter."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan Hori is well thought of for her land use and entitlement practice. She is equally well versed in both the public and private sector and clients praise her strong work ethic and negotiation skills. Cochair of the real estate and land use department Steve Edwards is a highly experienced transactional attorney. His broad range of expertise includes the buying, selling and restructuring of distressed assets as well as providing high-level counseling to a variety of entrepreneurs.

THE FIRM This team has built up a strong reputation over the years, especially in Southern California; interviewees are quick to highlight its impressive intellectual capabilities and common sense approach. It typically represents developers, owners, lenders, non-profits and title companies in major commercial and residential real estate developments and dispositions.

Sources say: “I have been uniformly impressed with the quality of its lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nancy Scull is the leading individual at the firm.

THE FIRM This excellent team works on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, workouts and restructuring. The group has recently seen a considerable uptick in the energy area, especially wind and solar-related matters.

Sources say: “It is extremely responsive and aptly manages negotiations so as to efficiently resolve issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mary Dickson is a key contact.

THE FIRM Interviewees are quick to praise the depth of this team's bench, which allows it to deftly handle complex real estate matters. In particular, it impresses with its rare ability to advise on both new deals and workouts to an equally high level. It regularly represents banks in significant real estate financings, but is also skilled in restructurings, bankruptcy matters, syndications, foreclosures and new loan originations. The group recently closed a $400 million syndicated financing of a portfolio of office buildings owned by Douglas Emmett.

Sources say: "A team that is intelligent, effective and easy to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "No stone goes uncovered" with Thomas Fileti, who is "a thorough, detailed and thoughtful practitioner." He excels in large and complex matters, and his particular expertise lies in real estate financing and representing banks. Los Angeles-based Marc Young is a "superb attorney who gets deals done effectively." He is chair of the firm's international real estate practice and has recently played a key role in several workouts and restructurings. Kim Seneker is universally highly regarded in the market; peers and clients agree that he possesses an incredible depth of knowledge and is "one of the true deans of the property sector." He provides an advisory function for the firm and its clients.

THE FIRM This team's strengths have traditionally lain in litigation, with expertise in ground leases, entitlements and approvals. However, its transactional work has also recently seen an uptick, and it is currently advising the County of Los Angeles on the Grand Avenue Project.

Sources say: “A premier player in Californian real estate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS O'Malley Miller is widely respected throughout the state; interviewees agree that he is "a terrifically talented lawyer"with an incredibly thorough knowledge of land use, financings, developments, workouts and restructurings.

THE FIRM This responsive and efficient team offers significant expertise in sophisticated transactions, including the acquisition and disposition of distressed assets, joint ventures and debt restructuring. It recently advised MacFarlane Partners on the restructuring of its largest remaining debt obligation, a $650 million loan from Eurohypo.

Sources say: “It is impressively knowledgeable about both the technical and the business issues.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Liever is "well versed" in developing, buying, selling, leasing and financing. He worked on the acquisition of distressed debt and foreclosure of ten apartment buildings in San Francisco. William Murray Jr is head of the San Francisco group, and has particular expertise in representing developers. He was the lead lawyer in MacFarlane’s aforementioned debt restructuring. Clients recognize Gerard Walsh as "a fantastic resource" for matters relating to distressed properties, debt restructuring, acquisitions, dispositions, development and leasing. Clients praise his thorough approach, responsiveness, and negotiation and drafting skills. Interviewees agree that global chair Noel Nellis has "certainly earned his status as a senior statesman; he has been a leading light for many years." His expertise encompasses financing, leasing, development and construction, although he has now reduced his schedule. Dennis Martin is recognized for his work on office acquisitions, joint venture transactions and purchase and sale activities on behalf of institutional investors. Clients appreciate the breadth of his knowledge, his strong grasp of business issues and "his ability to be a bulldog when the situation calls for it."

THE FIRM This stellar practice offers a deep bench of highly experienced professionals. Its varied workload has recently included major development projects, bankruptcy trusts, data centers, cloud computing matters and high-value transactions. Its enviable client roster includes Lehman Brothers, DreamWorks, Facebook and Morgan Stanley.

Sources say: “A really great group of lawyers with an impressively broad array of expertise.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "terrifically good" Charles Thornton is widely respected throughout the state for his highly focused knowledge of joint ventures and acquisitions. He has recently worked on a large development project at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco. Los Angeles-based Alan Weakland maintains a strong practice in office, retail and hotel projects, and he has recently handled a number of hotel financings.

THE FIRM This fine practice offers expertise in acquisition, development, construction, financing and leasing. It is also recognized for its strength in PPP work and military and affordable housing, and it has been handling an increasing amount of dispositions, distressed loans and venture matters.

Sources say: “A deservedly well-reputed team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Herr is a prominent lawyer with substantial experience across a variety of real estate issues. He recently worked for Shorenstein Properties in its purchase of Santa Clara Towers in Silicon Valley. Group chair James Rishwain is a transactional lawyer who excels at sophisticated real estate matters. The Los Angeles Unified School District is one of his key clients, and he is currently advising it on a multibillion-dollar facilities improvement project to build and modernize over 100 schools.

THE FIRM This real estate boutique focuses on real estate financing, with a heavy emphasis on tax-related matters. Its work regularly takes it outside California, and peers and clients are equally quick to highlight the excellent quality of its work.

Sources say: “A great business partner - it approaches the problem from the best angles to efficiently resolve it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stevens Carey covers the full range of transactional real estate matters including joint ventures, workouts, financings, acquisitions and dispositions. Phillip Nichols is "an incredibly smart and professional practitioner who understands the issues inside and out." He acts for a variety of high-profile clients in complex transactional matters, disputes, workouts and commercial leasing issues. Senior statesman Leo Pircher is widely respected throughout California for his sophisticated knowledge of acquisitions and financing work.

THE FIRM This highly regarded group continues to grow an impressive reputation for the strength of its land use and CEQA expertise. It is also skilled in PPPs, infrastructure projects, leasing and affordable housing, and it regularly represents high-profile lenders.

Sources say: “We would recommend it without reservation; one of the state's top teams."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Robert Thompson excels at land use, redevelopment and transactional work, in which he "displays great judgment and diligence, and works very effectively." He recently represented the University of California, San Francisco in connection with the development of a $200 million neurosciences research and clinical facility. David Madway's particular expertise lies in CEQA compliance work, public development transactions and redevelopment.

THE FIRM This group is especially well known for its work on the finance side of real estate. Of late, it has kept busy with matters relating to hedge funds, investment banks, restructuring, loan workouts, land deals, foreclosures, bankruptcy, lending and recapitalization. Its clients include developers, builders, owners and tenants.

Sources say: “An outstanding team with a very deep bench; it is responsive, client-oriented and technically excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "wonderfully well-versed and creative" Paul Walker is widely recognized as "one of the deans of the Californian real estate Bar." He is deeply knowledgeable when it comes to major syndicated workouts, and has recently been working on a number of sizable hedge funds and portfolio acquisitions. Clients praise Marc Hayutin for his “excellent judgment, effective negotiation style and impressive level of knowledge and experience" in sale and leaseback matters. He is also recognized for his deft handling of workouts. 

THE FIRM This team's comprehensive field of expertise covers a wide variety of real estate matters. Recently, it has excelled in loan workouts, restructurings, investment transactions, property financing, complicated ground leases and company mergers. Its varied client base includes developers, lenders, investment banks, REITs, opportunity funds, public companies and private entrepreneurs.

Sources say: “It is a delight to deal with; a professional and straightforward group of practitioners who are able to make deals happen."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rand April is "vastly experienced" in the financial field, with specialized knowledge of joint venture workouts, acquisitions, sales, development projects, hotels and real estate securities. Clients praise him as "a true problem-solver who produces wonderfully creative answers." He has recently been acting for a number of foreign investors and clients from the healthcare sector. Peers recognize Allan Mutchnik as "a highly significant player in the market," citing his expertise in complex loan workouts, partnership restructurings, distressed debt acquisitions and fund formations. Meryl Chae enters the rankings this year, having been identified for her superb representation of REITs; clients praise her attention to detail, responsiveness and "ability to efficiently navigate through complicated negotiations and transactions." She advised Nationwide Health Properties on a $1.75 billion transaction that involved acquiring a portfolio of medical office buildings.