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Introduction
Justin X. Thompson is a partner advising commercial and industrial developers, investors, lenders and property owners on all aspects of real estate transactions— including financing, development, leasing (including ground leasing), workouts and loan restructurings, land exchanges, sale-leasebacks, property management arrangements and joint ventures.
My focus
I represent clients across the spectrum of the real estate industry, from acquisition, financing and development to leasing and disposition. I have also handled an extensive number of loan restructuring and broken development projects—working with investors, lenders and developers to reposition assets and deploy resources in a manner that facilitates the best outcome under trying circumstances. Projects I have worked on have ranged from industrial, health care and student housing to mixed-use, commercial and office buildings.
Development, Lending, Workouts, Restructuring and Redeployment
I have a special place in my heart for development work (including acquisition and construction financing) and the attendant complexities that it brings. As a veteran of the last downturn, I am no stranger to the nuances of workouts and loan restructurings and the need for creativity when it comes to revisiting transactions in trying times to make them viable. I am particularly passionate about the need to redeploy and reuse real estate for purposes that are in line with and responsive to the current economic climate and our clients’ objectives and I seek to work with stakeholders to achieve that goal in an efficient and thoughtful manner.
Healthcare
Despite the pandemic and related challenges, healthcare remains an area of strong growth. 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 and consumption habits and preferences of younger generations continue to evolve, the need for creative and viable healthcare real estate options will only increase in the coming years.
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 acute need for strategically located real property necessitates creative solutions for supply. Subdivision and development of land and airspace in denser or more desirable areas provide a key means of filling this need. In my career, I have acquired hands-on experience with the pitfalls and peculiarities of the subdivision process, (including California’s Subdivision Map Act), airspace subdivisions and condominium structures of ownership. This experience has allowed me to help clients identify and act on opportunities. I have successfully applied this skillset in industrial, office, retail, healthcare, and higher education projects to help clients maximize their return on real estate assets.
Looking ahead
These are uncertain times and our world is poised to change in some profound ways in response to the pandemic and related impacts. Real estate will always be essential to how we function as a community and society, however, recent world events, when coupled with the advent and adoption of autonomous vehicles, drones and other proptech make it a virtual certainty that we will see fundamental changes in best practices, highest and best use and deployment of our real estate resources. Early awareness of the coming changes and their pending impact on the real estate industry sets us apart from our competition and allows us to most effectively advise our clients.
Insights
- Moderator, “Commercial Real Estate,” LAEDC Economic Forecast, February 23, 2023
- Co-presenter, “Scoring Sustainability Goals,” Select LA Investment Summit, Los Angeles, CA, October 21, 2021
- Co-presenter, “Commercial Real Estate Financing: Origination Issues,” Practising Law Institute, Virtual presentation, October 8, 2021
- Co-presenter, “The Loan Closing Process in Commercial Real Estate Financing,” Practising Law Institute, Virtual presentation, October 8, 2021
- Co-presenter, “Restructuring Commercial Real Estate Loans 2021 – Key Considerations,” Practising Law Institute, Virtual presentation, May 26, 2021
- Speaker, “PLI's Restructuring Commercial Real Estate Leases Program,” Practicing Law Institute™, Webinar, January 25, 2021
- Speaker, “Clearing Key Legal Hurdles of the LA Last Mile,” CoMotion LA Mobility Festival, Los Angeles, CA, November 15, 2019
- Moderator, “Finding Efficiencies Through Sustainability & C-PACE,” CRE Finance Council (CREFC), Los Angeles, CA, May 23, 2019
- 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
Representative experience
- Represented foreign developer with respect to financing, development, subdivision and related aspects of a complex mixed-use trophy asset development in a major metropolitan center.
- Represented publicly traded healthcare 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 development, subdivision and refinancing (post-FDIC seizure of lender) of signature hotel resort development.
Admitted to practice
California
Kentucky
Education
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.
Professional activities
- Board Member, NAIOP SoCal, Community Relations Committee
- Board Member, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
- Board Member, USC CSULB METRANS Transportation Center
In the News
- Law360
Nixon Peabody expands LA Corporate group with of counsel
This article spotlights the arrival of Los Angeles Corporate counsel Jean Yu as a member of the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation team. Los Angeles office managing partner Justin Thompson is also quoted on the firm’s continued growth on the West Coast.Sep 21, 2021 - Spectrum News
Drone delivery is the next big thing but could face legal challenges
Los Angeles office managing partner Justin Thompson, of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, is quoted throughout this article discussing some of the legal hurdles and general challenges companies could face as they plan to roll out drone delivery.July 15, 2021 - Los Angeles Times
Commercial real estate: strategies and updates
Los Angeles office managing partner Justin Thompson, of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, participated in a virtual roundtable discussion on COVID-19’s impact on commercial real estate, market-driving trends, and what’s on the horizon for the industry.March 22, 2021 - Pacific Coast Business Times
Three Steps to Real Estate Recovery
Los Angeles office managing partner and Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Justin Thompson wrote this article about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted commercial real estate and steps that the industry can take towards recovery.May 29, 2020 - <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2020/03/barrack-penner-sound-off-coronavirus-crisis-california-los-angeles/" target="_blank">Commercial Observer</a>
Industry experts Barrack, Penner sound off on the coronavirus crisis
Los Angeles office managing partner Justin Thompson, of the Affordable Housing and Real Estate practice group, says there is no modern comparison to California’s blanket moratorium on evictions during the coronavirus crisis.March 28, 2020 - <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2020/03/california-tenant-protections-evictions-moratorium/" target="_blank">Commercial Observer</a>
California ramps up tenant protections as state shuts down
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.March 20, 2020 - CoMotion
Episode 23: How the Mobility Revolution is Reshaping Real Estate Development
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.March 4, 2019 - Spectrum TV
How driverless cars will reshape cities
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.Jan 8, 2019 - The American Lawyer
Spread of autonomous vehicle technology fosters opportunities for lawyers
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.Dec 6, 2018 - To Live and Law in LA
S2 E1: A Look into the Future
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.Oct 17, 2018 - Forbes
The value of your home could get a big twist from autonomous cars
June 18, 2018Los 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
Unintended consequences? The potential impact autonomous vehicles could have on your home
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.June 18, 2018 - Law360
Law360 names attorneys who moved up the firm ranks in Q1
May 7, 2018In 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
Tegna Goes Shopping for Big Four Affiliates
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.March 2, 2018 - Law360
4 Things Real Estate Lawyers Need to Know About Bitcoin
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.Feb 14, 2018 - Forbes
Autonomous vehicles will change cities landscapes. Here’s how.
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.Oct 20, 2017 - NPR
Hop on the Justice Bus: Next stop? Citizenship
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.Aug 27, 2017 - Los Angeles Times
The future is in...a parking garage? Here's one way driverless cars will change urban development
Los Angeles real estate partner Justin Thompson is quoted in this article about how autonomous vehicles will impact building developments and urban planning.April 16, 2017 - National Real Estate Investor
How drones will affect commercial real estate
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.Dec 23, 2016 - Hotel Executive
Legal Implications of Hotel Brand Proliferation
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.Dec 12, 2016 - Law360
Driverless Cars Pave the Way for Real Estate Development
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.April 7, 2016 - Daily Journal
Revived Real Estate Market a Boon for Transactional Attorneys
Los Angeles Real Estate partner Justin Thompson provides commentary in this story on real estate market trends.Dec 30, 2015 - Hotel Executive
The Current Legal State of Hotel-Condo Development
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.Dec 1, 2015 - Law360
Nixon Peabody Nabs Manatt Real Estate Pro In LA
This feature story highlights the arrival of Los Angeles Real Estate partner Justin Thompson.Feb 12, 2015
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllArmando E. Batastini
Partner / Office Managing Partner, Providence- Providence
- Office:401.454.1015
- abatastini@nixonpeabody.com
-
Christopher R. Froeb
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Real Estate & Affordable Housing- Boston
- Office:617.345.1137
- cfroeb@nixonpeabody.com
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