Overview
Gary specializes in shopping center and commercial development and retail, office and industrial leasing, generally representing developers and property owners, as well as major retailers. Gary has also represented retail and commercial developers in the acquisition and disposition of both undeveloped land and commercial projects.
Retail and Commercial Development, Commercial Leasing, REAs and Purchase and Sale Experience
Gary has represented major shopping center developers in the negotiation of leases with almost every national, regional and local retailer in the Western United States. As a result, he has negotiated reciprocal easements agreements (REAs) and development agreements with nearly every "big box" retailer in the United States (e.g., Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's Club, Kohl's, Home Depot and Lowe's). In addition, Gary's practice involves the representation of clients in connection with the acquisition of land for development and the acquisition and disposition of major shopping center and commercial developments. He is skilled at the negotiation and drafting of every agreement necessary in connection with the acquisition, development, leasing, and disposition of a shopping center or commercial development. He has also represented major retailers in connection with virtually every facet of leasing or purchasing land for retail operations. Gary has also represented office developers and major office tenants in the negotiation of significant office leases.
Nationally Recognized In The Retail Industry
Gary is nationally recognized as one of the premier retail transactional attorneys by his clients and peers. For many years, he has been named one of the country’s best attorneys by The Best Lawyers in America, as well as one of the top real estate lawyers in Southern California by Super Lawyers. Gary is a frequent lecturer on the subject of retail development, commercial leasing, REAs and purchase and sale agreements, and has spoken at numerous seminars and conferences, including conferences sponsored by the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC) (the retail industry’s most prominent trade group) and the California Continuing Education of the Bar. Gary is also frequently interviewed by the media on issues related to retail and commercial development. In June 2013, ICSC honored Gary with the prestigious 2013 Trustees Distinguished Service Award for his commitment to the retail industry.
Publications &
Speaking Engagements
Recent Publications
Recent Speaking Engagements
“The Growing Convergence of Retail and Mixed Use: The Opportunities and Potential Pitfalls in Today’s Market”, 2007 Real Share Real Estate Conference, March 27, 2007;
“Retail Anchors Away – What Happens When the Lights Go Out? Lease and REA Issues, Re-Tenanting and Market Realities, USC Gould School of Law, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Benjamin S. Crocker Symposium on Real Estate Law and Business 2006, April 19, 2006;
“Retail Trends: Who Moved My Cheese?”, ICSC Southern California Idea Exchange and Alliance Program, February, 2005;
“Back to Basics: A Case Study in Developing and Managing a Shopping Center”, ICSC Long Beach Conference, November, 2003;
“Roll Modeling for Success”, ICSC Los Angeles Next Generation, October, 2003;
“Crafting the Lease Transaction”, ICSC Southern California Idea Exchange, February, 2001;
“Fundamentals of Leasing: Use, Trade Name, Radius, and Assignment,” ICSC U.S. Shopping Center Law Conference, October, 2000;
“Retail’s Response to e-Commerce,” UCLA Extension-Los Angeles Times 2000 Real Estate Forecast, January, 2000;
“Retailers Move to Urban Infill Locations,” ICSC Alliance Program, November, 1999;
“Developing Outside of the Envelope: Visionary Developers Share their Creative Sides,” ICSC Southern California Idea Exchange, March, 1998;
“Exploring the Complexities of Commercial Leasing: A Walkabout with the Pros,” Los Angeles County Bar Association Benjamin S. Crocker Symposium, April, 1997;
“Letters of Intent in Real Estate Transactions: What To Do And What To Avoid,” Los Angeles County Bar Association, June, 1996;
“Commercial Leasing-Current Developments,” Los Angeles County Bar Association Benjamin S. Crocker Symposium, March, 1992;
“Selected Issues in Commercial Lease Practice,” CEB 9th Annual Real Property Practice Institute, February, 1992;
“Reciprocal Easement Agreements (REAs), Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), and Development Agreements,” CEB 7th Annual Real Property Practice Institute, February, 1990;
“Real Estate Finance,” Urban Land Institute - Real Estate Development School, June, 1989;
“Negotiating and Drafting Commercial Real Estate Leases,” Institute for International Research, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991;
“Lease Negotiation Strategies and Proposal Writing Techniques,” NAIOP Office Development Course, April, 1989;
“Insurance and Liability: Risk Assessment and Management Issues for Owners and Managers,” Building Owners and Managers Association, April, 1989;
“Leasing and Selling to Majors - Dealing With and Balancing Operating Covenants,” International Council of Shopping Centers - Southern California Conference, September, 1988;
“Structuring and Negotiating the Latest Business Terms in Retail Leases,” Northwest Center for Professional Education First Annual Marketing and Leasing Commercial Properties Conference, June, 1988;
“Lease Negotiations,” NAIOP - 1988 Annual Office Property Conference, November, 1988;
“Preparing for the Takeout Loan,” International Council of Shopping Centers Western Regional Idea Exchange, July, 1987; and
“Fundamentals of Real Property Practice,” CEB, University of California, February, 1986.
