Real Estate and Business Transactions
Commercial Leasing
The firm has a well-recognized specialty in negotiating and drafting commercial lease documentation, including retail, office and industrial leases, on behalf of both landlords and tenants. Our experience includes representing parties to ground lease transactions, retail, office, industrial and agricultural leases, build-to-suit arrangements, reciprocal easements agreements, property management agreements, master lease agreements, parking operator agreements and lease-option agreements. Current clients include numerous national and regional retailers, Bay Area retail centers, a major parking operator and local governments, as well as various smaller property owners and tenants.
Property Tax Assessment Appeals/Documentary Transfer and Other State and Local Tax Challenges
We have successfully represented both small and large corporations in reducing their property tax liability through the tax assessment appeal process. In this context, we regularly have appeared before assessment appeal boards and other taxing authorities. Our litigation capabilities enable us to take the matter from initial negotiations through the judicial process. We also have represented both state and federal governmental entities challenging tax assessments. Recently, we have secured substantial refunds of, or have negotiated a cancellation of, special assessments and documentary transfer taxes which are imposed by all California counties and numerous cities throughout California.
Real Property Purchases and Sales
We represent both buyers and sellers in transactions for the purchase and sale of commercial, residential and unimproved real estate. We have negotiated and drafted purchase and sale agreements, option agreements, development agreements, easement and maintenance agreements, and license agreements. We also are retained frequently to negotiate and prepare joint venture agreements and financing documents for real estate transactions on behalf of sellers, purchasers and lessees.
Land Use and Development Matters
We represent developers, purchasers and owners in all aspects of the development process, including appearances before local and regional planning agencies and conducting and supervising due diligence surveys. Our clients include regional and local real estate developers and corporate and individual owners of real estate.
Real Estate-Related Enterprise Software
We represent the developer of a “best in class” real estate asset management enterprise software, including negotiation and preparation of licensing agreements, teaming arrangements and application services provider agreements.