Partner

William W. Steckbauer

OVERVIEW

Veteran business and real estate litigator William W. Steckbauer has served as a trusted advisor to his longtime real estate clients for more than 40 years.

Bill assists them in all aspects of the growth of their business ventures, from the initial evaluation of assets for potential acquisition to the purchase, development, leasing and eventual sale.

While his primary focus over his career has been in real estate and business litigation and leasing disputes, Bill also represents his clients in their other business-related disputes that may arise. These include real estate partnership dissolution, construction litigation, and corporate governance and management issues.

Bill’s philosophy in all legal matters is to conduct a cost/benefit analysis to determine whether litigation and/or alternative creative approaches are the best path to sound resolution. In cases where settlement is unattainable, he has the experience and tenacity to achieve client goals before an arbitrator, judge or jury.

As a trial attorney, Bill has successfully represented landlords, developers and commercial property owners in a wide variety of litigation, including at the appellate level. He has successfully obtained judgments and arbitration awards in his clients’ favor on matters such as:
  • Partnership Dissolution
  • Partition
  • Breach of Lease
  • Breach of Contract/Specific Performance
  • Fraud
  • Mechanics Liens
  • Construction Disputes
  • Easement Issues
Prior to joining Hill Farrer, Bill was the founding member and managing partner of the real estate boutique law firm of Steckbauer Weinhart, LLP. Bill has been recognized by Super Lawyers for real estate litigation every year since 2006 and was named among its Top 100 Lawyers for several years. Bill holds an “AV Preeminent” 5.0 out of 5 Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for ethical and professional standards. He has previously acted as a provisional director appointed by the Los Angeles Superior Court.
  • Southwestern University School of Law – J.D. 1984
  • University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. 1980

Successfully defended property owner after two week arbitration against damages claims in excess of 22 Million dollars for breach of joint development agreement related to multiple commercial properties. Client was awarded its attorneys fees and costs against claimant. 

Successfully tried a three week jury trial in favor of Landlord against tenant for breach of contract and forgery in connection with forged long term lease extension. Successfully defended jury verdict on appeal and obtained an award of attorneys fees and costs in excess of 2.2 Million dollars which was collected in full. 

Represented Landlord in the negotiation of a long term lease with fortune 500 telecommunications company.

Represented Landlord in Unlawful Detainer jury trial against last remaining tenant preventing redevelopment of medical project which resulted in favorable settlement prior to jury verdict. 

Represented partner in partnership separation dispute involving outlet mall in Texas. Successfully defeated inunction and motion of summary judgment and obtained favorable settlement and dissolution of partnership on eve of trial.  

Represented partner in partnership dissolution, fraud and partition action involving over 100 million dollars in multi-family properties, obtaining a successful separation after over four years of litigation.  

Successfully defended property owner after two week arbitration in claims brought by partner seeking damages for lost profits in real estate development project. Obtained award of attorneys fees. 

Obtained arbitration award in favor of Landlord in dispute with tenant over the fair market rent to be paid during the Option term for a medical property.  

Successfully defended decades old parking covenant in multiple arbitrations brought by Hotel owner seeking its termination. 

Represented Landlord in the construction, development and long term lease of a Hotel property in down town Los Angeles.

Newsletter

Subscribe now to receive the latest legal news