Real Estate: California

THE FIRM This outstanding firm is a market leader in the area of leasing. However, the firm's real estate practice, which is among the largest in the state, is also engaged in financial, equity and debt and residential real estate work. The group's deal-oriented and entrepreneurial approach has attracted a strong client base of buyers, sellers, lenders and developers, among others. The group recently represented Kilroy Realty in connection with a $1 billion acquisition of five office buildings covering over 2.7 million sq ft of space in Irvine, San Francisco, and Washington. The firm also has a strong team of land use lawyers representing major clients in connection with due diligence and entitlement work.

Sources say: "I think they have tremendous real estate experience and reputation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Matkins is a prominent lawyer who peers note is "super connected" with relationships in the real estate industry. He has been active in recapitalizations, workouts and restructurings. His work highlights include representing Colony Capital in a $100 million equity financing.

Richard Mallory is noted among peers as a skilled real estate lawyer with a primary focus in the area of leasing. Having had numerous years of experience in this field, he has come to center on office, industrial and retail leases.

Anton Natsis described as "a very knowledgeable practitioner." He focuses primarily on leasing and has come to represent landlords holding most of the office space in San Francisco. His recent work has involved acquisitions for both Hudson Pacific Properties and Kilroy Realty.

THE FIRM This firm is especially noted for its work on PPP projects, where it finds its ability to effectively marry a strong understanding of land use and environmental law with real estate. On the traditional real estate side, the firm has been actively engaged in transactional and leasing work. On the land use side, the team has carried out work relating to approvals, entitlements and zoning. 

Sources say: "They are stellar and they really know their craft."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pamela Duffy is renowned as one of the leading land use attorneys in San Francisco. Clients say: "When she speaks, people pay attention." She is highly sought after by corporations, developers and other users of real estate. Her recent notable representations include work for the Mission Bay Project, a 300-acre mixed-use development, regarding entitlement and transaction matters.

Harry O'Brien is highly respected for his participation in high-profile projects in the area of conservation and land use. His recent notable involvements include entitlement matters for DMB/Redwood City Saltworks in the conversion of an industrial work site for residential use.

THE FIRM This firm's strong real estate focus has helped to distinguish it as one of the premier boutique firms in California. This broad practice is well established on the financial real estate front, having undertaken numerous equity and debt recapitalizations and CMBS loans and acquisitions. The group is also active on the land use side, handling entitlements and environmental permitting work. The team is also increasingly recognized for its activities in the energy sector.

Sources say: "They have a number of good real estate attorneys, with a good focus on environmental areas and leases."

KEY INDIVIDUALS One peer said of Ira Waldman: "He is a fantastically good lawyer; if I had a bad problem to handle and I couldn't do it, I would hire him in a heartbeat." He is especially noted for his representations of owners.

Lawrence Teplin is an expert litigator, well known for his work in the areas of ADA claims, as well as contract and construction defect and delay matters.

Mathew Wyman is noted is particularly distinguished in the representation of major joint ventures in relation to acquisition and recapitalization matters. 

Phillip Nicholson is a founding partner of the firm. He is an expert in transactional real estate and litigation, and is respect for his tremendous experience in the industry. 

Michael Zischke is a well-established real estate litigator with a prominent land use practice. His strengths lie in the areas of NEPA and California Environmental Quality (CEQA) work.

Kenneth Bley has an established practice undertaking developer representations. He is also highly respected for his work in entitlement, zoning and environmental impact review issues.

THE FIRM This solid firm is recommended for its specialist real estate financing expertise in the CMBS and lending sectors. The group's clients are largely CMBS master servicers, subordinate bond buyers, and mortgage and mezzanine lenders, as well as insurance companies. 

Sources say: "The culture of the firm is one which is focused on getting results."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Heil is an expert securitization lawyer. He is described as an "outstanding professional" whose clients have absolute "confidence in his judgments." As one client mentioned, "he is the lawyer I think of as having the most impressive package of skills and character traits in any lawyer I have worked with."

Kahlil Yearwood is described as being "very advanced for his level, exceptionally intelligent, responsive and capable." He recently represented an insurance company in connection with a $355 million loan to an investor, secured by eight office buildings.

THE FIRM This prominent firm's real estate team, which is among the largest in the USA, is able to mobilize teams to take charge of the most complex of transactions. The group's expertise covers acquisition, restructuring, CMBS financing, workouts and other areas. The team's capabilities in the leasing space also come in for special praise. It has been particularly active in the hospitality sector of late.

Sources say: "Their attorneys are personable, responsive, hard-working and always available."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Meyer is an outstanding real estate attorney and perhaps one of the strongest experts around in leasing transactions. He has been integral to a number of the state's largest recent deals.

The "great and commercial" Stephen Cowan is well known for his strength in the real estate finance sector.

THE FIRM This leading firm is heavily involved in the traditional real estate sector, with experience across a wide range of acquisitions leasing, structuring, restructuring and financing issues. The firm has also expanded its practice in the energy sector, having acted for major clients such as First Solar. The firm also has an adept land use practice.

Sources say: "Very high quality at a relatively cost-efficient rate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Vettel has a superb reputation in San Francisco for his work in the land use sector. He is proficient in entitlement, zoning and planning work. His recent highlights include representing the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in a major expansion of its facilities.

THE FIRM This outstanding and sizable team handles acquisition, refinancing, restructuring, joint ventures, equity investments, senior and mezzanine debt, foreclosures and other work. The group is particularly renowned for its expertise in capital markets and bankruptcy-related real estate matters. The firm represents operators, lenders and investors on a regular basis, with notable clients including the likes of Rockpoint Group, Fortress, Wells Fargo and MPG Office Trust. The firm also has a respected land use group.

Sources say: "Of all the firms I have worked with, the one that has really distinguished itself is Gibson Dunn."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dennis Arnold is a leading authority in the real estate sector with the ability to take major transactions from beginning to end. He is noted in particular for his expertise in workouts, bankruptcy and restructuring issues. "He knows everything about every aspect of California law," say sources. 

Jesse Sharf is a preeminent attorney representing a predominantly borrower and developer-based client roster. Clients praise his "combination of pure intellect, common sense and work ethic." His recent highlights include representing developer Stellar Management in its proposed redevelopment of Villas Parkmerced. 

Michael Sfregola is renowned for his work in the hospitality sector. Clients note that he is "very experienced, smart and business-oriented." His recent involvements include the representation of a public hospitality REIT in relation to the acquisitions of major hotels.

Deborah Cussen is an expert on the financial real estate front. Her primary experience is in advising lenders and investors on financings, foreclosures and the acquisition and sale of loan portfolios. She has recently represented Wells Fargo in connection with several acquisitions and loan restructurings.

Amy Forbes is a leading land use attorney who, while having a national practice, has worked on some of the largest entitlement transactions in California. Her recent highlights include advising the Fifteen Group on the redevelopment of Wyvernwood Garden Apartments.

Mary Murphy is another prominent land use attorney at the firm with expertise in historic development deals. She has recently been actively engaged in the Treasure Island Community Development project relating to the redevelopment of a former naval base for residential, recreational and retail space.

THE FIRM This thriving practice group provides clients with a host of real estate-related services, from development and leasing to acquisitions and dispositions. In addition to its roster of developers and tenants, its impressive client base includes major international names, such as Kodak and Universal City Studios. In recent highlights, the group assisted Vantage Property Investors in its $100 million joint venture with Grove International.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Jonathan Gross is a commercial real estate specialist described as "thorough and to the point." He led in the firm's representation of Vantage Property Investors.

THE FIRM This outstanding firm makes waves in the areas of development, financing, leasing and zoning. The team is especially lauded for its superb expertise in the hospitality sector, acting on behalf of clients such as Four Seasons Hotels, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The firm's national network of resources is also a boon to clients, allowing them easy access to the firm's leading REIT and private equity experts. 

Sources say: "Their work product is excellent." "A number of great lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients note that Lewis Feldman "is extremely knowledgeable and abreast of current events in the field." He is also described as "smart and aggressive" but still "great to work with." He is highly respected for his expertise in the bonds and public financing arenas. Recent highlights include his work with Anschutz Entertainment Group regarding a new NFL stadium and event center in Los Angeles.

Dean Pappas is a prominent lawyer with a host of financial clients, many of whom are intermediaries or private equity funds for whom he undertakes a range of joint venture issues. His peers note he is "one of the names listed among the best-regarded transactional lawyers in LA." He has recently been busy in complex loan and funding work for McMorgan & Company.

THE FIRM This firm's California-based real estate team brings preeminent expertise across a range of issues, and allows its clients access to some of the deepest pools of resources in the sector. The group is best known for its land use group, which is fully integrated with the firm's environmental practice, bringing comprehensive knowledge of state and federal environmental, zoning and planning regulations. In recent highlights, the team represented a major Chinese developer in the acquisition of the Sheraton Universal Hotel.

Sources say: "We use them on complex transactions involving many attorneys at all levels and they consistently deliver outstanding legal work in a timely fashion."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jennifer Hernandez is a distinguished land use practitioner with tremendous experience in major projects and related CEQA issues. Sources are impressed by her "huge amount of expertise and easy to work with" style. Her recent work has involved new town projects and greenhouse gas issues.

Susan Booth is a noted for her financial real estate expertise and her "extraordinary knowledge of acquisition and debt transactions." She is head of the firm's West Coast real estate practice group.

THE FIRM This firm has a leading real estate finance practice acting on behalf of major banking names, such as Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America. The team handles credit structuring as well as CMBS and REIT-related work. The group's expertise also extends to the hospitality and development sectors, undertaking a range of acquisitions, project structurings and negotiations, and ground lease work. The firm is also highlighted for its superb land use practice handling the development of commercial, industrial and residential projects, particularly in the traditional and renewable energy sectors.

Sources say: "The service is fantastic."

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Mihlsten is praised as "on top of his field" and an attorney who "does a great job for his clients." He has developed a leading reputation for land use work and for his expertise in energy representations. His recent highlights include representing World Oil in the rezoning of former oil production land.

Donald Berger is renowned for his expert handling of "high-end sophisticated real estate deals." He has solid expertise in representing major financial institutions, and recently undertook credit structuring and refinancing matters for Deutsche Bank.

Cindy Starrett is highlighted in particular as a prominent expert in land use work. Sources are impressed with "her business acumen and insight, both politically and technically." She recently obtained environmental clearance and entitlements for Loyola Marymount University's campus redevelopment program.

Kevin Ehrhart recently arrived at the firm from Allen Matkins. He is a highly respected real estate lawyer with a strong line in sales, dispositions and debt restructuring issues.

THE FIRM This prominent firm has excellent state coverage and is highlighted for its expertise in a range of transactional real estate, land use and planning matters. The group undertakes financings, acquisitions, construction issues and dispositions, and is especially active in issues relating to large mixed-use projects.

Sources say: "They have great contacts and practical working knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steve Edwards is a leading practitioner with regards to real estate acquisitions and dispositions. His recent highlights include acting for Avanath Capital Management in relation to a real estate fund used to purchase affordable housing projects.

Susan Hori has a diverse land use practice and routinely advises clients on various environmental concerns in connection with real estate projects, from Endangered Species Act to CWA matters.

THE FIRM This group undertakes acquisitions, dispositions, leasings, litigation and land use issues, and is widely respected in Southern California. The firm represents a diverse mix of developers, borrowers and lenders, and has recently acted for the likes of AEG, Walgreens and Fidelity National Title. The firm is also expanding its renewable energy offering and has undertaken representations of clients, such as NRG Energy, whom the group recently advised in connection with the development of a solar farm.

Sources say: "Professional, well regarded and sufficiently large to have real experts in many areas of specialization."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nancy Scull is a leading practitioner in the field of multistory mixed-use projects. Her clients note that "her best attribute is that she is incredibly knowledgeable about her field of work; and her responsiveness is impeccable."

THE FIRM This group's access to the firm's deep bench of expertise and wide network of resources allows it to represent a broad host of clients in connection with real estate acquisitions, dispositions, refinancings and litigation. Its recent highlights include advising Eurohypo on the closing of a $320.25 million refinancing of the America at Brand mixed-use shopping center and apartment project in Glendale.

Sources say: "MoFo is truly the best firm I have ever hired."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Fileti is a notable practitioner in the area of real estate finance, with subspecialties in REIT and lease financing transactions. He is especially famed for his expertise in real estate finance and bank representations.

Marc Young is the chair of the firm's real estate group and comes highly recommended by his senior peers. He has recently been leading the firm's practice in regards to large hotel-related transactions.

Seasoned practitioner Kim Seneker has had a long-standing and illustrious career in the financial real estate sector, having worked on numerous lending and investment transactions. His exceptional work in the field has ensured that he is still "very highly regarded in the market today."

THE FIRM While famed for its litigation capabilities, Munger Tolles has a strong transactional real estate practice undertaking acquisitions, dispositions, leasing and PPP work. The team wins acclaim for its recent representation of engineering firm Parsons in a $320 million sale and leaseback involving the company's 950,000 sq ft office headquarters and adjoining structures. The firm also acted for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the $75 million acquisition of Los Angeles Union Station.

Sources say: "Very responsive to the things that we ask them to do. They provide a value-added service and are very accommodating." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS O'Malley Miller has a preeminent reputation as "one of the best real estate lawyers in Southern California." With expertise in an array of acquisitions and dispositions, he undertakes a range of matters, including multifamily assets and debt restructuring issues. He recently represented The Irvine Company in the $200 million purchase of the Pacific Arts Plaza office project in Costa Mesa. 

THE FIRM This firm wins accolades for the depth of its bench and its multifaceted capabilities in relation to major real estate transactions, including financing, restructuring, acquisition and disposition matters. The group is also distinguished in its work pertaining to bond firms and public finance deals. Its client roster include a range of investment funds, joint ventures and institutional lenders, including RREEF, Prime Finance Partners and MacFarlane Partners.

Sources say: "The group has a deep bench, so they're able to handle a lot of complex transactions at one time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Liever is praised as a "good, smart lawyer" and is someone clients "have a lot of faith in." He is an expert in acquisitions and dispositions, and recently represented RREEF in connection with its acquisition and financing of a nine-building, 57-acre office campus in Menlo Park, California.

William Murray is very active in the representations of financial entities in relation to loans secured by large real property assets. His recent work includes representing a significant credit facility in the negotiation and documentation of a loan repurchase.

Gerard Walsh is a noted practitioner engaged in mortgage-related work. He has recently been advising a major fund in relation to a senior mortgage secured by a hotel.

Noel Nellis has a distinguished and long-standing reputation in the industry, backed by his deep experience. He continues as a leading authority in leasing, financing and development.

THE FIRM Paul Hastings's California-based real estate is famed for its deep pool of talent and for the integral part it plays in the firm's nationally recognized practice group. The team has the expertise on offer to handle a broad real estate workload, including real property acquisitions, joint ventures, development due diligence and bankruptcy matters. Its enviable client roster features major funds, financial institutions and developers, such as TPG Capital, Zynga and Infinity World Development.

Sources say: "A smart and hard-working group - deals always go well with them." "Fantastic client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Thornton is a highly respected practitioner with tremendous experience in the field. He has a strong following of loyal clients including Lennar, which he is assisting in two joint ventures regarding the Candlestick/Hunters Point redevelopment project in San Francisco.

Alan Weakland continues to make waves in office, retail and hotel projects. He recently represented Rockwood Capital, Goldman Sachs/Whitehall, Highgate Hotels and Chartres Lodging in the sale of the Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel in New York.

Philip Feder is head of the firm's real estate practice. He rejoins the group following a number of years developing the firm's practice in London. An excellent attorney "for doing the deals," sources appreciate that he does not hesitate to "get his hands dirty." 

THE FIRM This leading national firm has a strong presence in the real estate market in California, and has expertise covering development, construction, leasing, financing and acquisition work. The group is also recommended for its PPP-related experience, exemplified by the firm's recent representation of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District in the negotiation of a purchase and lease option agreement. The team is also adept at undertaking restructuring and foreclosure matters.

Sources say: "A great firm with many resources."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Herr is a leading partner described by his clients as "extremely knowledgeable about all facets of commercial real estate." He is known for being particularly skilled in land use and zoning issues as well as general transactional real estate work. 

James Rishwain handles traditional and finance-related real estate work. He recently provided counsel to SBE Entertainment Group in relation to future projects, and also acted for Los Angeles Unified School District in relation to the development of its facilities.

THE FIRM Pircher Nichols is a prominent real estate boutique specializing in real estate finance, particularly as it related to tax issues. The firm is regularly engaged in acquisitions, dispositions, financings and land use-related matters.

Sources say: "A terrific firm." "Really solid lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stevens Carey is described as "one of the most terrific, smart, sincere people you will ever meet." Others go on to praise him as "incredibly devoted to his clients." With a strong focus on transactional real estate, his practice covers all manner of joint ventures, financings, acquisitions, dispositions and workouts.

The "really smart, deep thinker" Phillip Nichols focuses primarily on the area of commercial real estate, including joint ventures and leasings as well as real estate-related disputes.

The eminently experienced Leo Pircher is one of the sector's leading authorities in financing and acquisition matters.

THE FIRM This firm demonstrates prominent strengths in land use, natural resources and CEQA issues. It similarly comes recommended for its expertise in PPP-related matters as well as mixed-use and affordable housing and infrastructure. Recently the firm represented the University Village San Marcos in connection with an approval from San Marcos City Council for the 194-acre University District project.

Sources say: "A major player."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Thompson is an eminent land use attorney who comes highly recommended "for sophisticated transactions." He recently represented cloud computing company Salesforce.com in the acquisition and development of 14 acres for a proposed new headquarters complex in the Mission Bay district of San Francisco.

THE FIRM Sidley Austin has a real estate practice highlighted for its superb representations of major funds and for its strength in bankruptcy and securitization-related areas. Clients especially appreciate the group's ability to draw on other resources from the firm to better represent them. Its notable client roster includes Starwood Property Trust, Guardian Life, Credit Suisse and Healthcare Properties.

Sources say: "I always get a consistently high level of quality. I think it is a superb firm. I've never met a partner that wasn't top-drawer."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Walker is one of the strongest attorneys for real estate-related workouts and restructurings. "He comes up with a lot of creative ideas," say sources, and has "a tremendous breadth of experience."

Marc Hayutin is an exceptional attorney who has recently been active in the area of equity and loan deals. Clients especially note "his ability to get things done correctly quickly and think out of the box for solutions."

Scott Cooper is well known for his representations of lenders. He has also recently been engaged in development work in relation to new capital originations and refinancings for office buildings and hotels. Peers say he is "fun to negotiate against because he knows what he is doing and represents his clients well."

THE FIRM Skadden excels in acquiring successful outcomes for its clients by mobilizing multidisciplinary teams of real estate, corporate and tax lawyers. Backed by the firm's wider strength in real estate finance, its team regularly represents players in the REIT, opportunity fund and investment arena. It also undertakes a broad range of traditional real estate work, including leasing, development and acquisition matters.

Sources say: "Universally respected and trusted."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rand April is an exceptional lawyer renowned for his years of expert representation in the real estate industry. His recent work has included the restructuring of loans with lenders and joint ventures. He recently acted for MPG Office Trust in the refinancing of a downtown Los Angeles office tower.

Meryl Chae focuses on the representation of clients in connection with REIT work. She has recently been heavily involved in the representation of Nationwide Health Properties in relation to its $7.4 billion acquisition by Ventas.