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.
Experience
Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Awards & Affiliations
Honors & Recognitions
Best Lawyers, Real Estate Law, 2003-2025
Southern California Super Lawyer, 2004-2023
Selected as an “Influencer in Retail” in Globe St. Real Estate Forum, May 2020, as a member of the Retail and Commercial Development Team, the only law firm included as one of 15 national recipients
Recipient of 2013 ICSC Trustees Distinguished Service Award
Selected as one of 40 attorneys in Los Angeles Business Journal's "Who's Who in Law: Angelenos to Know in Real Estate Law," 2013
Professional Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Chairman, Western Division Government Relations Committee, 2003-2006
Chairman, Southern California Government Relations Committee, 2000-2002
Southern California State Director, ICSC Western Division, 1996-1999
Chairman, Western Division Conference Program Planning Committee, 1994-1995
Chairman, Southern California Idea Exchange Program Planning Committee, 1991-1993
Non-Professional Affiliations
Chairman of the Board, Brentwood Art Center, 2012
Practice Areas
Real Estate Sectors
Bar & Court Admissions
- State Bar of California
Education
J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 1979
B.A., University of Rochester, 1976, cum laude