Justin X. Thompson serves as managing partner of the firm's Los Angeles office and is a partner advising commercial and industrial developers, investors, lenders and property owners on all aspects of real estate transactions— including financing, development, leasing, loan restructurings, land exchanges, sale-leasebacks, property management arrangements and joint ventures.
I represent clients across the spectrum of the real estate industry, from acquisition, financing and development to leasing and disposition. I have worked on all types of real estate projects, ranging from residential and mixed-use to commercial, industrial and health care projects. In addition, there are several niche areas that particularly interest me.
While real estate is undoubtedly a late adopter of technology, there can be no denying the impact that technology is poised to have on the market in the coming years. With the impending introduction of autonomous vehicles and drones, there is almost no aspect of the real estate industry that will remain untouched by the technological advancements introduced over the coming decade. Closing processes and procedures will be forced to evolve, development and financing practices will streamline (or be abandoned altogether) and the very notion of what comprises highest and best use (a guiding principle of real estate use) will be redefined. From a legal standpoint, technology will usher in a host of previously unknown considerations to be addressed. By anticipating these considerations, we are better able to advise our clients on likely impacts and opportunities.
The insatiable appetite for real property in Southern California necessitates creative solutions for supply. Subdivision and development of airspace in denser urban areas provides a key means of filling this need. Having hands-on experience with the pitfalls and peculiarities of California’s Subdivision Map Act has allowed me to help clients navigate the subdivision process in development, acquisition and financing transactions involving airspace components and condominium structures of ownership.
We are seeing a steady, high volume of foreign investment in U.S. real estate assets, particularly from Asia. One program that is especially lucrative in this space is the EB-5 program, which aims to increase foreign investment—and ultimately domestic job creation—for U.S. residency. I have extensive experience working with lenders, borrowers and regional centers involved in EB-5 transactions, as well as foreign-based companies purchasing and developing real estate assets nationwide. In the course of that representation, I have come to appreciate the nuances of, and pressure points inherent in, transactions involving foreign investment in U.S. real estate.
Health care remains an area of strong growth—and the industry’s real estate needs to continue to expand and evolve. The increased prevalence of smaller, more strategically located, urgent care facilities and medical service providers in shopping plazas has further fueled this already burgeoning sector of the real estate market. As the medical requirements of older generations continue to increase, health care’s demand for new real estate options is likely to explode in the coming years.
The impact of technology on real estate is just now getting started. From autonomous vehicles and drones to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, it is only a matter of time before the effects of these items infiltrate and forever alter the archaic processes that are so prevalent in real estate transactions. Early awareness of technology and its pending impact on the real estate industry sets us apart from our competition and, most importantly, allows us to most effectively advise our clients.
Commercial Observer | March 20, 2020
Los Angeles office managing partner Justin Thompson, of the Affordable Housing and Real Estate practice group, talks about California’s proposed moratorium on commercial evictions. Justin notes that tenants who do not pay their rent may face negative contractual consequences even they are not evicted.
CoMotion | March 04, 2019
Los Angeles Affordable Housing and Real Estate Group partner Justin Thompson and associate Garth Bostic discuss the rapidly changing urban mobility landscape and how it will impact real estate development in the future.
Spectrum TV | January 08, 2019
Los Angeles Office Managing Partner Justin Thompson appeared in this live TV segment to discuss how the increasing number of driverless cars on the road will change the way cities operate.
The American Lawyer | December 05, 2018
Los Angeles Office Managing Partner Justin Thompson is quoted in this article, discussing how the increasing prevalence of autonomous vehicles will affect zoning regulations, parking counts and urban development.
To Live and Law in LA | October 16, 2018
On the Season 2 premiere, we speak with Wall Street Journal legal reporter Sara Randazzo and Nixon Peabody partners Justin Thompson and Jill Gordon about diversity initiatives, technological disruptions and the future of the legal industry. The podcast is hosted by Nixon Peabody associate Jade Turner-Bond.
Forbes | June 18, 2018
Los Angeles real estate partner Justin Thompson wrote this column analyzing the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on residential real estate, including the possible end of the two-car garage.
Forbes | June 17, 2018
Los Angeles Office Managing Partner Justin Thompson wrote this contributed column analyzing the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on residential real estate, including the possible end of the two-car garage.
Law360 | May 06, 2018
In this roundup of promotions to partner and firm management positions, 14 attorneys from Nixon Peabody are highlighted. The 11 attorneys promoted to partner are Ellie Altshuler, Mark Beaudoin, Erik Birkeneder, Hannah Bornstein, Chris Browning, Barry Carrigan, Keri McWilliams, Matt Mullen, Steven Richard, Charles Tamuleviz and Alison Torbitt. In addition, Kenneth C. Lind was promoted to leader of the firms’ public finance practice group, Justin Thompson was promoted to office managing partner in LA, and Aaron Yowell was promoted to chief innovation officer.
The Deal | March 01, 2018
Public Company Transactions practice group leader John Partigan and attorneys Brian Kopp, Mike Hausknecht, Allan Floro, Justin Thompson, Sean Clancy, Pierce Han, Erin Kansy and Carolyn Lowry were mentioned in this article for representing Tegna in its recent purchase of a CBS-affiliated TV station and two radio stations in San Diego.
Law360 | February 13, 2018
Los Angeles Office Managing Partner Justin Thompson and real estate associate Garth Bostic are quoted in this article about the factors real estate lawyers need to consider as bitcoin becomes a more popular method of payment in property transactions.
Forbes | October 19, 2017
Los Angeles real estate partner Justin Thompson and associate Garth Bostic authored this article about how the emergence of autonomous vehicles will impact cities, regulations and driving habits.
NPR | August 26, 2017
Los Angeles office managing partner Seth Levy, partner Justin Thompson and associate Jessica Walker are quoted in this article about the Los Angeles office’s pro bono work with OneJustice’s Justice Bus to help low-income immigrant Green Card holders seeking U.S. citizenship.
Los Angeles Times | April 15, 2017
Los Angeles real estate partner Justin Thompson is quoted in this article about how autonomous vehicles will impact building developments and urban planning.
Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, J.D., Regional Editor and Member of Journal of Law and Education
The University of Texas at Austin, B.B.A.
California
Kentucky
Justin has been recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2019 editorial for Real estate—Construction (including construction litigation).
