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Super Lawyers® Recognizes Seven Gilchrist & Rutter Partners
Seven Gilchrist & Rutter attorneys have been named to the 2012 list of Southern California Super Lawyers in the areas of business, real estate and environmental law. The attorneys listed include Donald C. Nanney, Jonathan S. Gross, Frank Gooch III, Duane M. Montgomery, Richard H. Close, Robert McMurry and Christine Page who is recognized for the first time.
Super Lawyers is an annual ranking of outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only five percent of the total lawyers in the state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers.
Coastal City Subdivision Approval
The Seaside City Council has approved a 223-lot residential subdivision for Gilchrist & Rutter client Bayview Community LLC. Seaside is a beautiful coastal city in Northern California, and the property sits on fifty-two acres overlooking Monterey Bay.
Working closely with City staff and the community, Richard Close and Susy Forbath were able to obtain the approval as well as an environmental exemption. Last year at this time, the property owner sought guidance from Gilchrist & Rutter as he explored optimal business plans to maximize the value of the real property. Upon receiving approval for the Final Map, the property may be subdivided at any time in the future that the owner decides is most beneficial.
Gilchrist & Rutter Announces that Lennar Urban Received National Planning Achievement Award
Gilchrist & Rutter is honored to announce that Lennar Urban has received the American Planning Association’s 2012 National Planning Achievement Award for a Hard-Won Victory for its Hunters Point Shipyard/ Candlestick Point Phase II EIR. Gilchrist & Rutter attorneys Robert McMurry and Katie Norian have been integrally involved in the project from the earliest stages of drafting a controversial EIR, nearly three years ago, to serving as lead counsel in litigation that led to the dramatic court decision allowing the project to go forward. Lennar’s HPS/CP project, the largest redevelopment project in the history of San Francisco is valued at over $2 billion.
The American Planning Association has been recognizing exceptional planning efforts for more than 50 years and this award is considered to be one of the profession’s highest honors.
Former Newhall Land Development Executive and Attorney Steven D. Zimmer Joins Gilchrist & Rutter
 LOS ANGELES – Prominent real estate development executive and attorney Steven D. Zimmer has joined Gilchrist & Rutter as Of Counsel. Zimmer has served as executive vice president and head of the controversial Newhall Ranch master planned community for which he managed all aspects of environmental, legal (CEQA), and financial hurdles. The 12,000-acre development, one of the largest ever contemplated in California, saw its last major obstacle removed in August 2011. As a developer and attorney, Zimmer has extensive experience in all aspects of land use and municipal law. With his knowledge, experience and connections throughout the industry, Zimmer will be a significant addition to Gilchrist & Rutter's already prominent Land Use Group headed by Robert I. McMurry.
For a copy of the complete Press Release on Steven D. Zimmer, please click here.
Gilchrist & Rutter Ranked among "Best Law Firms" per U.S. News
Gilchrist & Rutter was recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms” in the 2011 - 2012 edition U.S. News - Best Lawyers® in the Tier 1 metropolitan rankings in the category of Los Angeles environmental law as well as Tier 4 in the category of Los Angeles real estate law.
U.S. News and Best Lawyers® rankings are based on a thorough evaluation process that includes collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field and additional information provided by law firms.
Diane J. Hvolka Named Partner
at Gilchrist & Rutter
Diane J. Hvolka has been promoted to partner at Gilchrist & Rutter. Since joining the firm in 2005, Ms. Hvolka has continued to develop her practice in commercial real estate and business transactions, with an emphasis on office and retail leasing, financing, purchase and sale of industrial properties, development agreements, tax-deferred exchanges, reciprocal easement agreements, CC&R's, ground leases, title insurance, and sale-leaseback transactions. To view the complete press release for Ms. Hvolka's promotion to partner, please click here.
Two Gilchrist & Rutter Attorneys Included in Rising Stars® 2011
Two Gilchrist and Rutter attorneys have been included in the 2011 edition of Super Lawyers – Rising Stars®, a Thompson Reuters service. The selected attorneys are Diane Hvolka and Scott Reynolds.
Diane Hvolka focuses on real estate leasing and has been acknowledged in the real estate category. Real estate associate Scott R. Reynolds has also been ranked in the real estate category.
Rising Stars is an annual publication compiled by peer nominations, which selects the top 2.5 percent of lawyers in Southern California who are 40 and under, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.
Gilchrist & Rutter Partner Selected as "Top Land Use Leader" in California by Daily Journal
 LOS ANGELES – Robert I. McMurry, partner and head of the Land Use Practice at the law firm of Gilchrist & Rutter PC, which conducts a broad practice in the areas of real estate, business and commercial transactions, environmental law, and civil and complex business litigation, has been recognized as a Top Land Use Leader by the Los Angeles Daily Journal.
For a copy of the complete Press Release, please click here.
Land Use Group Joins Gilchrist & Rutter
Gilchrist & Rutter PC recently announced that three well-regarded land use attorneys have joined the firm’s Land Use practice group - Robert "Mac" McMurry, A. Catherine (Katie) Norian and Elisa Paster. The attorneys, previously at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, have extensive experience in land use, entitlements and CEQA law. Representative clients include master plan developers Newhall Land & Farming Company, Lennar Corporation and Heritage Fields, El Toro LLC.
For a copy of the complete Press Release , please click here.
Super Lawyers® Recognizes Six Gilchrist & Rutter Partners For Their Work in Real Estate and Environmental Law
Six Gilchrist & Rutter attorneys have been ranked as 2011 Super Lawyers by Southern California Super Lawyers magazine in the areas Real Estate and Environmental law: (from left to right) Duane M. Montgomery, Frank Gooch III, Jonathan S. Gross, Richard H. Close and Donald C. Nanney (not pictured: Robert I. McMurry). Only five percent of the lawyers in the state are recognized for their accomplishments by Super Lawyers.
Super Lawyers is an annual ranking of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Donald C. Nanney's expertise lies in environmental law and real estate, including site assessment, remediation, contractual allocation of environmental risk, regulatory compliance, liability, claims, penalties and insurance. He is also a part of the firm’s sustainability practice. This is Mr. Nanney’s 8th consecutive year on the list of Super Lawyers.
Jonathan S. Gross, Managing Partner, concentrates his practice on commercial real estate, including major officeand retail leasing, development, construction, design, engineering and management agreements, and real estate secured lending. This is Mr. Gross’s 6th consecutive year on the list of Super Lawyers.
Duane M. Montgomery's practice encompasses real estate and business transactions including real estate secured financings, acquisitions and dispositions, foreclosures, loan workouts, and counseling clients on lender licensing, mobile home park conversion and entity formation matters. This is Mr. Montgomery’s 3rd consecutive year on the list of Super Lawyers.
Frank Gooch III is a litigator whose practice is devoted to civil, commercial, business, intellectual property, insurance (including anti-trust issues), First Amendment and real estate litigation. This is Mr. Gooch’s 3rd consecutive year on the list of Super Lawyers.
Richard H. Close's practice focuses on the areas of real estate, mobilehome parks, financial and business transactions, formation of and advising professional entities, and civic administration.This is Mr. Close’s 2nd consecutive year on the list of Super Lawyers.
Robert I. McMurry has extensive experience in environmental and land use law including all major land development aspects such as entitlements, water issues and drafting, advice and litigation on CEQA documents, for projects including residential, commercial, redevelopment, public institutions, and parks/open spaces. This is Mr. McMurry’s 1 st year as a Super Lawyer.
Six Gilchrist & Rutter Attorneys Included in Rising Stars® 2010
Six Gilchrist and Rutter attorneys have been included in the 2010 edition of Super Lawyers – Rising Stars®, a Thompson Reuters service. The selected attorneys are Henry Herrman, Yen N. Hope, Diane Hvolka, Scott Reynolds, Peter Swain, and Kevin Yopp.
Real estate partner Henry A. Herrman has been listed in the categories of real estate, construction/surety, and business/corporate. Yen N. Hope, a litigation associate, has been ranked in general litigation, land use/zoning, and administrative law. Diane Hvolka focuses on real estate leasing and has been acknowledged in the real estate category. Real estate associate Scott R. Reynolds and Of Counsel Peter E. Swain have been ranked in the real estate and business/corporate categories. Litigation associate Kevin Yopp has been lauded for his work in general litigation.
Rising Stars is an annual publication compiled by peer nominations, which selects the top 2.5 percent of lawyers in Southern California who are 40 and under, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.
Gilchrist & Rutter Ranked in Chambers & Partners USA
 Chambers & Partners USA (Chambers), widely recognized as one of the primary arbiters of achievement in the legal profession, has ranked Gilchrist & Rutter among the top California real estate law firms for the third consecutive year. Recognized for its leasing work, the firm is also praised for its high-quality expertise in purchase and sale agreements. Sources interviewed are quoted as saying "The group's best attribute is responsiveness. The lawyers do a good job of protecting our interests."
In addition, Chambers individually recognizes managing shareholder Jonathan Gross for his leasing work. Sources depict Mr. Gross as "a patient negotiator who does an outstanding job in articulating difficult concepts."
Chambers USA ranks the leading firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout America. The research is in-depth and client focused and the guide is read by industry-leading companies and organizations throughout the US and worldwide. It is also widely used by firms in all states for referral purposes.
 Susan Fowler McNally Admitted into
American College of Real Estate Lawyers
Susan Fowler McNally has been invited to join the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) based on her legal acumen and consistent leadership in the commercial real estate industry. ACREL is an organization comprised of the nation's premier real estate attorneys selected after a rigorous screening process. ACREL lawyers uphold high standards of professional and ethical conduct, and have made significant contributions to the real estate and legal professions as a whole.
 Henry A. Herrman Named Partner
at Gilchrist & Rutter
Henry A. Herrman has been promoted to partner at Gilchrist & Rutter. Since joining the firm in 2001, Mr. Herrman has developed a unique multi-disciplined practice, representing clients both in commercial real estate transactions, with an emphasis in leasing, construction, development and finance, and in landlord-tenant and construction-related disputes and litigation matters.
Seven Gilchrist & Rutter Partners Included in Super Lawyers® 2010
Seven Gilchrist & Rutter attorneys have been named by Southern California Super Lawyers magazine as top attorneys in the state for 2010, in the areas of business, real estate and environmental law: (from left to right) Frank Gooch III, James R. Andrews, Susan Fowler McNally, Jonathan S. Gross, Richard Close, Duane M. Montgomery and Donald C. Nanney. Only five percent of the lawyers in the state are named by Super Lawyers.
This marks the fifth year that Mr. Andrews, Mr. Gross, Mr. Nanney and Ms. McNally have been ranked; Mr. Gooch and Mr. Montgomery are recognized for the second consecutive year; and Mr. Close is a first time recipient.
Super Lawyers is an annual ranking of outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Gilchrist & Rutter Partners Included in
The Best Lawyers in America® 2010
 Jonathan Gross and Susan Fowler McNally were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010 (Copyright 2009 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.), in the area of Real Estate Law.
Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 32,000 leading attorneys cast almost two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."
Gilchrist & Rutter Recognized as
ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge Partner
Gilchrist & Rutter has qualified as an ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge Partner, based on its focused efforts to operate the firm in a sustainable matter, specifically, by implementing recycling and other best practices for office paper management under the guidelines of the program. The Law Office Climate Challenge is a joint program by the American Bar Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizing law firms which have taken simple, practical steps to become better environmental and energy stewards. With its growing Sustainability Practice Group, Gilchrist & Rutter regularly counsels its real estate clients about the cost savings and other benefits that "green" initiatives can bring to their building operations. The Firm is following this same path by exploring sustainable, cost saving steps in the operation of its own office space, in this case by addressing the notoriously paper intensive nature of law offices.
Gilchrist & Rutter Partners Profiled in
Los Angeles Business Journal's "Who's Who in L.A. Law"
 
Susan Fowler McNally and Donald C. Nanney have been recognized in the Los Angeles Business Journal's special report "Who's Who in L.A. Law" 2009. This year's list featured "L.A.'s Top 100 Lawyers" grouped in 12 practice areas, who are highly regarded by their peers.
Ms. McNally was honored for her more than 25 years' experience in the commercial real estate industry, particularly relating to her involvement in leasing, development and sustainability work throughout Southern California.
This is Mr. Nanney's second consecutive year on the list. He was recognized based on his 35 years of practice in the complex world of environmental law and regulations impacting real estate transactions, ownership, operation and development.
Susan Fowler McNally Profiled in
"Women of Influence" by Real Estate Southern California
For the eighth year, Susan Fowler McNally has been featured in "Women of Influence," by Real Estate Southern California. Published in the September/ October 2009 issue, the 10th Annual Women of Influence list honors 40 women at the forefront of the commercial real estate industry who will lead the industry over the coming years.
Ms. McNally was recognized for her expertise in construction, as well as her work addressing sustainability issues in real estate contracts. During the past year, she has worked with clients to develop and implement strategic plans to reduce operating costs, achieve business objectives and minimize the risk of litigation. She also helps clients find cost-effective ways to retain existing tenants and attract new tenants, while minimizing the building's resource footprint.
David B. Lambert Joins Gilchrist & Rutter
 Gilchrist & Rutter welcomes David B. Lambert to its real estate team. Mr. Lambert's practice focuses on all aspects of real estate and corporate transactions, including leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, development, construction, joint ventures and financing, as well as land use and environmental work. In addition, he is a registered Civil Engineer and has ten years of prior experience working in the public sector as a civil engineer.
Mr. Lambert was previously an associate in the Los Angeles real estate department of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP. Mr. Lambert received his J.D. cum laude from Loyola Law School, where he was a Fritz B. Burns Scholar and a Sayre MacNeil Scholar. In addition, he participated in the Scott Moot Court Honors Board - Jessup Team, and was a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society and Order of the Coif.
Jonathan Gross Again Ranked California Dealmaker
by California Real Estate Journal
 For the second consecutive year, Jonathan Gross has been selected as a "California Dealmaker" by the California Real Estate Journal. One of only four repeat-Dealmakers, Mr. Gross was included based on the volume of his transactions, as well as his commitment to completing deals in the tough market. One notable deal he completed this year involved the fallout from the Washington Mutual Bank FDIC seizure at the Quintana Project in Irvine, salvaging one full building from the four it had leased/occupied, and leased it to WaMu's successor, J.P. Morgan.
"California Dealmakers" is compiled by California Real Estate Journal and ranks the State's premiere attorneys, brokers, lenders and developers who have the ability to close the most complex and challenging deals.
Gilchrist & Rutter Ranked Among
Top Real Estate Law Firms by Chambers USA
Chambers and Partners USA (Chambers), widely recognized as one of the primary arbitrators of achievement in the legal profession, has ranked Gilchrist & Rutter among the top California real estate law firms. Recognized for handling all aspects of real estate with a particular strength in leasing, Gilchrist & Rutter was credited with having a focus on Southern California, but "also assist(ing) clients with projects across the country." In addition to recognizing the firm's achievements, Chambers lauded managing partner Jonathan Gross. According to interviewees, Mr. Gross "is an effective negotiator who really understands the business process and pushes through transactions with ease; he's unflappable."
Chambers USA lists are compiled through intensive research and interviews with both law firms and their clients, and are broken down into all major practice areas nationally as well as key practice areas within each state. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.
Two Gilchrist & Rutter Attorneys Included in Rising Stars® 2009
 
Diana Hvolka and Scott Reynolds have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2009 edition of Rising Stars®. Published by Law and Politics Media, Inc., Rising Stars is an annual publication compiled through attorney-led research, which selects the top 2.5 percent of lawyers in Southern California who are 40 and under, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.
Diane Hvolka specializes in commercial real estate and business transactions, including office, industrial & retail leasing; financing; purchase and sale of commercial and industrial properties; and sale-leaseback transactions.
Scott Reynolds is a member of the firm's Real Estate and Sustainability Groups. He represents and advises clients in all aspects of real estate law, including secured/mezzanine financing transactions; asset and equity purchases/sales; leasing; general corporate matters; and sustainability issues.
Gilchrist & Rutter Listed as Major Real Estate Law Firm
by California Real Estate Journal
Gilchrist & Rutter was ranked on the list of California's 2009 Major Real Estate Law Firms by California Real Estate Journal. Recent successes include representing owner in construction/lease for Lantana Project as well as plaintiff in a breach of contract case involving two leases against state. The firm was also recognized for its work on the Eastman Kodak sale/leaseback and for winning a settlement of $937, 500 in the El Dorado Palm Springs, Ltd. v. City of Palm Springs case. Notable clients include Maguire Properties LP, Thomas Properties Group, Eastman Kodak Co., Universal City Studios, Bentley Forbes, and 24 out of the 30 mobile home park owners who seek conversion in California. The list was ranked by the number of California real estate attorneys, then by partners as of January 1, 2009.
Susan Fowler McNally Honored as "Women at the Top"
by Commercial Real Estate Women - Los Angeles (CREW-LA)
Susan Fowler McNally is recognized as one of the 2009 "Women at the Top" by Commercial Real Estate Women - Los Angeles (CREW-LA). The June 11, 2009 event acknowledges Ms. McNally's more than 25 years of commitment to the commercial real estate industry. Ms. McNally was included based on her work on transactions such as the 1.47 million sq. ft. mixed use development above the Universal Metro Red Line, as well as her leadership in the commercial real estate community as demonstrated by her mentorship of colleagues, prospective firm associates and students at UCLA, and active participation in numerous commercial real estate organizations including CREW-LA and the Real Property, Trust and Estate Planning Section of the American Bar Association.
Henry A. Herrman Receives Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
Henry A. Herrman will be recognized as an Outstanding Young Lawyer (OYL) by the Real Property Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. The OYL award is being given by the Real Property Section to recognize Mr. Herrman's outstanding legal work on real property related matters covering such areas as leasing, development, financing, land use and litigation, and his contributions to Real Property Section programming and publications. Mr. Herrman will receive this award at the Section's Eleventh Annual Installation and Awards Dinner, on June 10, 2009, at the Riviera Country Club.
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