Justin X. Thompson

What do you focus on?

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.

Technology and Real Estate

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.

Subdivision/Condominium Work

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.

Inbound Real Estate Investment and EB-5 Financing

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

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.

What do you see on the horizon?

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.

Representative matters

• Represented Fortune 100 financial services organization in the negotiation and documentation of record setting forward sale transactions in the Inland Empire.
• Represented publicly traded health care company concerning exercise, diligence and documentation of key extension and option rights contained in several facilities leases in three state area.
• Represented developer with respect to acquisition and financing of portfolio of office properties in Arizona.

Publications and Presentations

• Speaker, “Next Wave Infrastructure—Working with Infratech Startups,” 2018 CDFA California Financing Roundtable Conference, Los Angeles, CA, September 18, 2018
• Speaker, “Urban Freight or Urban Fright? Getting Logistics Right in the Future City,” LACoMotion, Los Angeles, CA, November 16, 2017
• Moderator, “How Los Angeles is Planning for Autonomous Vehicles,” California Technology Council, Los Angeles, CA, September 27, 2017
• Moderator, “EB-5 Financing & Economics Impact,” Silicon Dragon LA 2017, Pasadena, CA, July, 26, 2017
• Speaker, “Updating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for CRE Applications,” California Technology Council (CTC), Mountain View, CA, May 16, 2017
• Moderator, “Foreign Investment,” Biznow’s Capital Markets and Foreign Investment Program, Los Angeles, CA, March 16, 2017
• Speaker, “Real estate and finance: The what, where, and how of technology’s impact,” Nixon Peabody Annual MCLE Seminar, Los Angeles, January 18, 2017
• Speaker, “Carmageddon: The Impending Impact of Driverless Cars,” 11th Annual California MCLE Super Seminar—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, January 21, 2016
• Moderator, “Crowdfunding—Unlocking a New Source of Financing for Hotels,” iGlobal Forum’s 4th Global Hospitality Leaders Summit, New York, New York, November 12, 2014
• Quoted, “Real estate practices feeling the aftermath of slow recessionary hiring,” Daily Journal, October 17, 2014
• Co-author, “When Negotiating Your JV, Watch For…” GlobeSt.com, August 12, 2014
• Co-author, “When Litigation Strikes, Is the Jury Friend or Foe?” GlobeSt.com, April 2014
• Quoted, “Real Estate Forecast Good News for Lawyers,” Daily Journal, April 2014