Retail Development

Our Real Estate Department has substantial experience in the retail industry, from acquisition of land and entitlements through pad sales, leasing and ongoing operations. We have particular expertise in drafting and negotiating retail leases. We have represented both landlords and tenants in a myriad of ground leases, shopping center leases, outlet mall leases, restaurant leases and other retail leases. We also have represented owners in sales of property to a variety of retailers.

On the development side of the retail industry, we have negotiated numerous Reciprocal Easement Agreements (REA's) and other similar documents on behalf of developer clients. We also have drafted and negotiated a variety of joint venture, acquisition and financing agreements for both original landowners and retail developers.

On the governmental relations/land use entitlements side, our Land Use Group represents clients before various public entities in essentially all areas of land use entitlement, planning, subdivision and vested rights. We have expertise in the areas of obtaining development approvals and financing assistance from redevelopment agencies. In the area of infrastructure finance, we commonly represent landowners and developers in negotiating infrastructure mechanisms such as assessment districts, community facility districts and tax increment financing. In the area of environmental law, we have a great deal of expertise in the area of CEQA compliance and litigation, wetlands, permits and endangered species issues. Our Land Use Group has worked extensively with the local planning staffs, administrators and attorneys representing Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties, and has extensive experience before various federal, state, regional and local agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Game, Cal. EPA, CalTrans and the Southern California Air Quality Management District.

In short, the firm offers a full range of expertise regarding all of the acquisition, development and leasing issues facing retail developers in California.