Jonathan Kathrein

/My focus

I handle every aspect of real estate deals—from lease negotiations through complex acquisitions and closings—in one of the country’s most dynamic markets. Whether working with emerging companies securing flexible office or retail space, or landlords managing large commercial portfolios, I focus on identifying potential issues early and crafting solutions that protect my clients’ interests. This includes drafting and negotiating construction and architecture agreements for tenant improvements and build-outs.

My land use practice spans project entitlements, regulatory compliance, and zoning matters. I work closely with developers, property owners, and investors to move projects through the approval process efficiently.

From straightforward lease agreements to multi-million-dollar acquisitions, my hands-on approach means clients have a single point of contact who understands both the big picture and the critical details that make deals successful.

/Looking ahead

My path to real estate law was unconventional—I studied real estate and political science at UC Berkeley, led a nonprofit, taught public speaking, and was a government relations consultant before attending law school. After practicing at prominent Bay Area firms, I served as in-house real estate counsel at RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), where I gained firsthand understanding of how an organization’s legal, operations, and business teams work together to execute a real estate strategy. That in-house perspective shapes how I advise clients today—I understand not just the legal issues, but the internal dynamics and business pressures that drive real estate decisions.

The pace of the real estate market is continuing to increase—there is an urgency in the market. Deals are moving fast, lease terms are shorter, and clients need counsel who can keep pace. Whether it is a company racing to secure space before a funding milestone or an investor capitalizing on a narrow acquisition window, I help clients move quickly and decisively—without sacrificing the diligence that protects them long-term.