TOP REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT LAWYERS 2025
country. R’bibo’s practice spans the full spectrum of commercial real estate, from acquisitions and dispositions to joint ventures, development and leasing of institutional properties including office, retail, industrial, multifamily and technology assets. Recent representations include landlords of trophy office buildings on the West Coast, buyers of logistics facilities that enable rapid e-commerce delivery, electric vehicle manufacturers securing research and development sites and developers of both student housing and workforce housing projects. R’bibo’s path to real estate law began with an early career transition from bankruptcy practice. “Early in my career, I transitioned from bankruptcy to real estate because I had many contacts in the industry and thought it would be a great area in which to build my practice,” he said. The shift proved prescient, as he found deeper motivation in the work’s community impact. “Since then, I’ve remained drawn to real estate by how our work impacts lives by building and shaping our communities, the places where we live, work and play,” R’bibo said.
When R’bibo first joined Allen Matkins, he acknowledged his limited real estate knowledge but benefited from mentorship by firm veterans. He credits practitioners including Tony Natsis, John Tipton, Mike Matkins, Robert Lurie, Cheryl Prell, Eric Shelby and Pete Roth with shaping his approach to practice over nearly 20 years. R’bibo takes a pragmatic view of deal-making challenges. “Every deal has obstacles. Once you understand that, then you’re not rattled when they show up,” he said. The attorney sees encouraging signs in the office sector’s recovery following pandemic disruptions. “It’s great to see office occupancy coming back to life. The sector had a challenging few years, but the benefits of people coming together in person toward a common goal can never be fully replaced by technology,” R’bibo said. On housing policy in Los Angeles, he noted progress while calling for continued reform. He emphasized that criminal justice and homelessness policies must consider all stakeholders, “including real estate owners and developers who invest their time, resources and skill in creating and maintaining our communities.”
ALAIN M. R’BIBO ALLEN MATKINS LECK GAMBLE MALLORY & NATSIS LLP CENTURY CITY A lain R’bibo has spent nearly two decades navigating the world of commercial real estate law, advising clients on transactions that shape the physical landscape of American communities. As a partner at Allen Matkins, he serves as a strategic advisor to public companies, private equity firms, family offices and high net worth individuals on real estate deals across the
Kuhn
California Environmental Quality Act to block housing developments. Coalition of Pacificans for an Updated Plan, et al. v. City of Pacifica, et al., No. A170704 (Cal. Ct., App., June 11, 2024). The work presents unique challenges. “California housing law is in a state of constant flux,” Patterson said. “It feels like the Legislature is changing the law daily, and we are operating on the cutting edge without the benefit of caselaw to guide us.” entitling land in preparation for the next market cycle. “Even though the market is ‘flat’ relating to development of certain types of product, our development clients are spanned multiple asset classes and geographic markets, from Los Angeles County industrial developments to retail projects in Texas and office buildings in He identifies climate change as a driving force behind California’s property law challenges. “Climate change-related impacts, combined done.’” That deal-closing mentality has defined Lurie’s recent work. He represented affiliates of Majestic Realty Co. in construction and permanent loan transactions totaling more than $1 billion with eight different lenders. The projects
Patterson describes a shift in land use practice. Previously, attorneys negotiated compromises with city officials to secure smaller projects. Now, cities refuse to approve projects entirely, and neighbors file appeals and lawsuits to block approved developments. “In the new world, city decision- makers refuse to approve any project, and neighbors file permit appeals and CEQA lawsuits to block the projects that do get approved,” still very busy acquiring development land and entitling development land in anticipation of the next up cycle, which has definitely started,” he said. Natsis predicts increased activity in terms remains available for quality industrial, retail and office projects owned by an experienced and highly successful sponsor.” with a heightened push for more development, continue to create problems throughout California, particularly with wildfires, flooding, Pennsylvania. Despite current market challenges, Lurie remains optimistic about financing opportunities. “In these uncertain economic times, lenders are imposing stricter underwriting standards,” Lurie said. “Nonetheless, construction and permanent financing on market or better
landslides, sea level rise and other significant impacts,” Kuhn said.
resolve conflicts,” Kuhn explained.
Lurie
The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, particularly in California, where Lurie sees both opportunities and obstacles, Lurie said. While legislation allowing accessory dwelling units and up- zoning could help address housing affordability, industrial development faces increasing headwinds as communities impose moratoria and overlay zones, he added.
“I had never seen a joint venture agreement anywhere near that length, but I managed to draft one, and Mr. Munger approved it as drafted,” Lurie said. The validation came later when Munger called specifically to offer praise. “When I asked why, Mr. Munger said: ‘because you knew your client had a great deal, and you got the deal
Natsis
land acquisitions, entitlement efforts and eventual construction across multiple product lines as the market recovers.
opportunity ahead. Development clients continue acquiring and
Patterson
Patterson said. “In this new world, the land use attorney must evolve.” Two years ago, Patterson and his partners left their former firm to establish a boutique practice focused on the most challenging housing development projects. The firm operates offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles to maintain local connections and attend hearings statewide.
The city subsequently abandoned its appeal. Patterson’s current caseload includes arguing that recent amendments to the Housing Accountability Act should limit attorney fee awards to environmental petitioners who successfully challenge housing projects. A victory could reduce the number of lawsuits filed under the
DAILY JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT | JUNE 18, 2025 | PAGE 21
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