Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP
Real Estate and Land Use Litigation
-
Represented Property Owners in successful effort to obtain government approvals necessary to develop a high profile property in the City of Malibu. Handled all legal issues arising during dealings with the City of Malibu Planning Commission and City Council ZORACES Subcomittee, including extensive interaction with City staff, as well as dealings with the California Coastal Commission and in fending off challenges from a neighboring property owner. Presented aspects of the legal and project issues to the planning commission in open meetings. Managed and coordinated a variety of task specific geological, environmental, and architectural consultants. Client successfully obtained all necessary permits and governmental approvals for remodeling and construction of three separate dwellings on the property, two on the beach and one on the bluff above, with shared septic and a number of complicated and challenging issues.
-
Successful defense obtained after highly contested trial of quiet title action involving multi-million dollar residential real property in Beverly Hills.
-
Obtained $1.2 million dollar judgment in lessor’s favor in a breach of commercial lease, breach of lease covenants, and waste action.
-
Defended a large residential developer in an action by the condominium HOA and owners attacking the CC&Rs and alleging fraud in the sale of units and many claims for equitable relief. Was sole attorney in the 10 week trial in Indio, which resulted in a judgment for the developer.
-
Served as lead counsel for defendant national railroad in a real estate dispute in which landowners alleged that the railroad had abandoned property rights, those rights had reverted to the landowners and the railroad violated their rights by attempting to sell those rights on the open market. Obtained defense verdict at trial and prevailed on subsequent appeal.