|
Mr. O'Brien practices transactional real estate, commercial development and land use law, with an emphasis on representing real estate developers in the entitlement, finance and construction of large commercial, residential and institutional development projects. Mr. O'Brien served as the firm's Managing Partner from 2003-2008. Real Estate Development Mr. O'Brien represents developers in all phases of the development process. In the entitlement process, he advises clients on compliance with the environmental review process required under the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as local planning and zoning regulations. Mr. O'Brien has extensive experience in dealing with regional and statewide regulatory agencies, including the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, Coastal Commission and State Lands Commission. He represents developers in redevelopment projects including adoption and amendment of redevelopment plans and negotiation of development and owner participation agreements. Mr. O'Brien's representative client projects include development of a mixed-use office and hotel campus in Marin, a private golf course community near Lake Tahoe, a small hotel on the San Mateo County coast and an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants in the development of AT&T Park, and the San Francisco 49ers in conjuction with its mixed use stadium development. Mr. O'Brien also represented an affiliate of Forest City Enterprises and Westfield America in the development of an over 1 million square foot addition to the San Francisco Centre, including a Bloomingdale's department store, at the former Emporium site on San Francisco's Market Street. Real Estate Transactions Mr. O'Brien represents clients in a wide range of real estate transactions, including purchase, sale, lease and financing of real property. He has extensive experience in the negotiation and financing of ground leases and joint venture agreements. In conjunction with sales agreements and development approvals, Mr. O'Brien counsels clients with respect to the allocation of hazardous materials liabilities. He also represents owners and design professionals in the negotiation of design and construction contracts. | 