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.
Forbes | October 20, 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 27, 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 16, 2017
Los Angeles real estate partner Justin Thompson is quoted in this article about how autonomous vehicles will impact building developments and urban planning.
National Real Estate Investor | December 23, 2016
Los Angeles Real Estate partner Justin Thompson and associate Garth Bostic co-authored this article about how drones will affect commercial real estate and property rights.
Hotel Executive | December 12, 2016
Los Angeles real estate partner Justin Thompson and associate Erin Kansy contributed this article about legal issues resulting from the recent expansion in hotel brands.
Law360 | April 07, 2016
Los Angeles partners Justin Thompson, Rudy Salo and associate Daniel Eliav co-authored this piece discussing the potential impact driverless technology could have on real estate development as well as infrastructure financing.
Daily Journal | December 30, 2015
Los Angeles Real Estate partner Justin Thompson provides commentary in this story on real estate market trends.
Hotel Executive | December 01, 2015
Los Angeles Real Estate partner Justin Thompson authored this column discussing notable legal developments paving the way for a resurgence in developer interest in condo-hotel projects.
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
