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Cheryl Nieman Brechlin Promoted to Partner

We are pleased to announce that Cheryl Nieman Brechlin has been promoted to partner at Harvest LLP. Her elevation reflects her outstanding contributions to the firm and her dedication to delivering exceptional results for our clients. Cheryl’s practice focuses on …

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Insurance Is No Longer Routine: What California Commercial Property Owners Should Expect

By Cheryl Nieman Brechlin
Commercial property insurance has become a significant pressure point for many California property owners. What used to be a predictable operating expense is now a line item that can materially...

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Jennifer Keating-Wolk Promoted to Senior Paralegal

Jennifer Keating-Wolk, Senior Paralegal We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Keating-Wolk has been promoted to Senior Paralegal at Harvest LLP. Her new role reflects her demonstrated commitment to excellence,...

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Key Changes to California Real Estate Laws in 2026

by Kenneth Park and William Ratner
California's real estate landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In 2025, the Legislature enacted a new slate of laws that will shape housing development, land use, and project...

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Harvest Welcomes Hannah Catherine Kim as New Associate

Hannah Kim, Associate Harvest LLP is pleased to announce Hannah Catherine Kim as the firm's newest member. Hannah joins the San Diego team as an associate. Hannah is a detail-oriented...

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Harvest LLP Recognized in Best Law Firms 2026

Harvest LLP is honored to be named in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, receiving a Tier 1 ranking in San Diego for Real Estate Litigation.  It is the...

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Harvest Welcomes New Associate and Paralegal

William Ratner, Associate Jasmine Wallis Garcia, Paralegal Harvest LLP is pleased to announce the addition of associate attorney William Ratner and litigation paralegal Jasmine Wallis Garcia to the team. William...

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New California Laws Expand Redevelopment Opportunities for Commercial Property Owners and Developers

By Cheryl Nieman Brechlin
In October 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two bills – SB 79 and AB 1050 – that will significantly influence the landscape for commercial real estate development in...

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Newly Enacted SB 415 Further Streamlines Logistic Center Development

By Fernando Landa
California has fine-tuned its new logistics siting law. After Assembly Bill 98's 2024 rollout revealed definitional gaps and uneven application, the legislature returned with targeted amendments. Governor Gavin Newsom signed...

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David Alvarado Recognized Among Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers for 2025

Harvest is pleased to share that David Alvarado, Partner, has been named to Lawdragon’s "500 Leading Real Estate Lawyers in America" list for 2025. Now in its 2nd edition, the Real...

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Three Harvest Partners Recognized as 2025 CRE Visionaries by L.A. Times Studios

David Alvarado, Partner Eoin Gubbins, Partner David Levine, Partner Three of Harvest LLP's partners—David Alvarado, Eoin Gubbins, and David Levine—were named as "Commercial Real Estate Visionaries" for 2025 by L.A....

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Harvest San Diego Partners Recognized in Best Lawyers 2026

Fernando Landa, Partner Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Harvest LLP is pleased to announce that partners Fernando Landa and Jamie Altman Buggy were honored in the 2026 edition...

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Policy Meets Property: Real Estate Impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”

By Kenneth Park
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the sweeping H.R. 1 – known more commonly as the "One Big Beautiful Act"(the "Act") – into law after being passed in the...

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CEQA’s Overhaul: Major Rollbacks Reshape Housing and Development in California

By Cheryl Nieman Brechlin
On July 1, 2025, sweeping reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) took effect, significantly changing the environmental review process for housing and certain other developments in California. In...

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Harvest Welcomes Michael Olinik as Senior Counsel

Michael Olinik, Senior Counsel Harvest LLP is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned litigator Michael Olinik to its team. With over 15 years of litigation experience and a reputation...

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Chris Rizza Named by Attorney Intel among “Top 25 Retail Attorneys of 2025”

Harvest LLP is pleased to announce that Chris Rizza, Partner, has been recognized by Attorney Intel as one of the "Top 25 Retail Attorneys of 2025." This national award celebrates...

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Jamie Altman Buggy Honored Among GlobeSt “CRE’s Aspiring Leaders” for 2025

Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner and General Counsel of Harvest LLP, has been named as one of "CRE's Aspiring Leaders" for 2025 by GlobeSt. This recognition celebrates top young professionals, under...

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David Alvarado Named to “Top Real Estate and Development Lawyers” by the Daily Journal

Harvest LLP partner David Alvarado has been named to the Daily Journal's "Top Real Estate and Development Lawyers" list for 2025. The list recognizes the top attorneys in California who...

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Harvest LLP Attorneys Recognized Among San Diego’s Commercial Real Estate Leaders of Influence for 2025

Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Cheryl Nieman Brechlin, Senior Counsel Harvest LLP's Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner and General Counsel, and Cheryl Nieman Brechlin, Senior Counsel, have been honored...

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Keeping the Peace: How Landlords and Property Owners Can Reduce and Manage Nuisance Claims

By Eoin Gubbins
Across virtually every commercial real estate asset class, there is a growing trend towards the creation of mixed-use environments. This shift is fueled by investors seeking greater flexibility and diversification...

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Tariffs Are Here: What Landlords Need to Know About the Impact on Commercial Leasing

By Cheryl Nieman Brechlin
New tariffs on imported construction materials—including steel, aluminum, electrical components, and finish goods—have now gone into effect. For commercial landlords, these tariffs are expected to drive up construction costs, create...

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California’s Insurance Wildfire Crisis: A Turning Point for Insurers and Property Owners

By Ryan Kirby
With wildfire losses in Southern California now topping $53 billion, the ripple effects across the state's already fragile insurance industry are undeniable. Property insurance premiums are expected to rise significantly...

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Harvest LLP Welcomes Kenneth Park as Associate

Kenneth Park, Associate Harvest LLP is pleased to announce Kenneth Park as the firm's newest member and Associate with its Los Angeles team. A rising star in the legal field,...

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Cheryl Nieman Brechlin Named Among 2025 Women of Influence

Cheryl Nieman Brechlin, Senior Counsel of Harvest LLP, has been named among GlobeSt.'s Women of Influence, Class of 2025 in the category of CRE Legal Counsel. Since 1983, the Women...

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Three Harvest Attorneys Named to “San Diego’s Top Attorneys” for 2025

Harvest LLP attorneys Fernando Landa, Jamie Altman Buggy, and Cheryl Nieman Brechlin were recognized in the 2025 edition of San Diego Metro Magazine's "San Diego's Top Attorneys". The annual list...

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FinCEN Issues Interim Final Rule Removing BOI Reporting Requirements for U.S. Entities, Redefining “Reporting Company”

On March 21, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule exempting companies formed in the United States and U.S. persons from the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements required by...

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Landa, Kaplan Recognized in Super Lawyers 2025

Harvest LLP partner Fernando Landa and associate Lee Kaplan were recognized in the 2025 edition of Super Lawyers. Fernando was named in San Diego Super Lawyers for Real Estate, and Lee...

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FinCEN Announces Suspension of Fines and Penalties for Failure to File BOI Reports, Anticipates Future Reporting Deadlines

On February 27, 2025, FinCEN announced that it will not issue fines or penalties or take other enforcement actions for failure to file or update Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports...

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New California Real Estate Laws: What to Expect in 2025

By Lee Kaplan
As California’s legal landscape continues to evolve, several new laws taking effect in 2025 are poised to significantly impact the commercial real estate industry. Among the most relevant to commercial...

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Reconciliation of CAM Expenses: A Guide from Landlord and Tenant Perspectives

By Chris Rizza
In commercial leases, Common Area Maintenance expenses – or CAM expenses – often represent a significant portion of the financial obligations of a tenant. These expenses typically cover the upkeep...

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FinCEN BOI Reporting Requirements Reinstated – Again

On February 18, 2025, FinCEN issued a notice reinstating the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). As a result, businesses ARE REQUIRED to file...

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Alvarado Recognized Among 2024 “Leaders of Influence”

David Alvarado, Partner Harvest LLP partner David Alvarado has been named among the Los Angeles Business Journal's "Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s" for 2024. The annual list celebrates...

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Alvarado Honored in 2024 Edition of Connect CRE’s “Lawyers in Real Estate”

Harvest partner David Alvarado has been selected as a winner for Connect CRE's 2024 Lawyers in Real Estate Awards. He is one of only 12 attorneys to be recognized in the California...

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Fifth Circuit Reverses Course: BOI Reporting Requirement Suspended Again

In a change of course, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated (or rescinded) its December 23, 2024 ruling that effectively reinstated the Beneficial Ownership Information...

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Industry Update 12/24/24: FinCEN Issues New Beneficial Ownership Information Report Filing Deadlines

On December 23, 2024, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling effectively reinstating the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The...

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Industry Update 12/23/24: US Court of Appeals Reinstates FinCEN Reporting Requirements

At approximately 1:30 p.m. ET on December 23, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed a lower court injunction and reinstated with immediate effect the...

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Industry Update 12/3/24: FinCEN Reporting Requirements On Hold

This week, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction halting the enforcement of the Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements mandated by...

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Legal Update on FinCEN’s New Corporate Disclosure Requirements for 2024

By Fernando Landa and Lee Kaplan
On January 1, 2024, a new corporate reporting law took effect which impacts the entire real estate industry.  The Federal Corporate Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. §5336 ("CTA"), enacted by Congress...

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The Impact of California’s Recent Elections on the Real Estate Industry

By Jamie Altman Buggy
California voters recently voted to enact Propositions 2, 4, and 36, each of which is expected to provide benefits to real estate owners, developers, and investors. These new measures are...

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California’s New Commercial Tenant Protection Act (SB 1103): What Landlords Should Know

By Cheryl Nieman Brechlin
California's legislative landscape is changing, and with the new year comes a significant shift for commercial landlords. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed SB 1103 (2024), known as the Commercial Tenant...

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Harvest LLP Recognized in Best Law Firms 2025

Harvest LLP is honored to be named in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, receiving a Tier 1 ranking in San Diego for Real Estate Litigation.  It is the...

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Navigating Legal and Business Issues with Existing REAs When Reimagining Retail Projects

By Fernando Landa
Retail real estate owners continually need to modify their projects to meet the evolving needs of retail tenants and customers.  Among the most difficult challenges in reimagining or redeveloping retail...

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Commissions in Home Sales: New Options for Buyers & Their Realtors

By Eoin Gubbins
In early July, the National Association of Realtors agreed to a settlement of a major class action lawsuit that changes some of the rules governing real estate commissions in residential...

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Three Harvest Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers 2025 Editions in San Diego, Los Angeles

Fernando Landa, Partner Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Lee Kaplan, Associate Three Harvest LLP attorneys were recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers®.  Partner Fernando Landa and...

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Harvest Attorneys Recognized by San Diego Business Journal in “Next Top 40 Business Leaders Under Forty 2024”

Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Cheryl Nieman Brechlin, Senior Counsel The San Diego Business Journal recognized two Harvest LLP attorneys in the 2024 edition of "Next Top 40...

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Harvest GC Selected for GlobeSt.’s 2024 Women of Influence Awards

Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel of Harvest LLP, has been named to GlobeSt.'s Women of Influence Class of 2024 in the...

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Brechlin Honored Among San Diego’s “40 Under 40” for 2024

Cheryl Nieman Brechlin, Senior Counsel Harvest LLP Senior Counsel Cheryl Nieman Brechlin has been named among San Diego's "40 Under 40" for 2024 by SD Metro Magazine. Now celebrating its...

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Three Harvest Partners Named 2024 CRE Visionaries by L.A. Times B2B Publishing

Eoin Gubbins, Partner David Levine, Partner Chris Rizza, Partner Harvest LLP partners Eoin Gubbins, David Levine, and Chris Rizza were honored among the "Commercial Real Estate Visionaries: Professional Service Providers"...

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Key Legal Considerations in Retail Leasing at Mixed-Use Residential Properties

By Cheryl Nieman Brechlin
Mixed-use properties pose unique legal challenges as different types of tenants often have divergent legal interests.  In mixed-use properties with retail and residential uses, landlords must ensure their leases provide...

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Navigating Evolving Parking Issues in Shopping Centers

By Fernando Landa
Parking has long been a critical aspect of the shopping center experience, influencing consumer behavior, tenant satisfaction, and overall profitability. Parking allocation can be a contentious issue among tenants within...

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Sheetz v. El Dorado County: A Victory Against Overbearing Impact Fees 

By Chris Rizza
On April 12, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark 9-0 decision in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado.  The justices unanimously ruled that certain development impact fees...

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San Diego Business Journal Honors Harvest LLP Partner as “Leader of Influence” in CRE

Fernando Landa, Partner Harvest LLP partner and co-founder Fernando Landa was selected as one of the San Diego Business Journal's "Leaders of Influence in Commercial Real Estate" for 2024.  The...

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Harvest Partner and GC Recognized Among “San Diego’s Top Attorneys”

Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Harvest LLP partner and General Counsel Jamie Altman Buggy was recently named to "San Diego's Top Attorneys" for 2024 by SD Metro Magazine.  The annual list...

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Harvest Partners Named in San Diego Super Lawyers 2024

Fernando Landa, Partner Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Harvest LLP partners Fernando Landa and Jamie Altman Buggy were named in the 2024 edition of San Diego Super Lawyers. ...

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Understanding FinCEN’s New Corporate Disclosure Requirements for 2024

By Fernando Landa
Author's Note: On March 1, 2024, a federal district court in Alabama ruled the Corporate Transparency Act is unconstitutional. However, it is a limited ruling, and companies and persons that...

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US Supreme Court Decision May Reshape the Future of Development Impact Fees

By Stephanie Sweat
Real estate developers across the United States are accustomed to paying fees to municipalities to offset the impacts of a development on the surrounding communities. Developers often take issue with...

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New California Real Estate Laws: What to Expect in 2024

By Lee Kaplan
The following is a brief overview of new California laws enacted in 2023 and taking effect in 2024 that impact the real estate industry. As it has in recent years,...

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Legal Considerations for ADU Sellers Under California’s New AB 1033 Law

By: Stephanie Sweat
In October 2023, California passed AB 1033, a measure that allows municipalities to permit Californians to subdivide and sell accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) on residential lots. The purpose of the...

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Green Lease Provisions Can Benefit Both Landlords and Tenants

By Lee Kaplan
As more companies boost their sustainability initiatives, both landlords and tenants are increasingly looking to advance their environmental goals through special lease provisions.  “Green” provisions mandating environmentally friendly practices can...

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Battery Storage Tenants: Key Considerations for Landlords

By Michael Rivera
Commercial landlords are seeing an increase in tenants storing lithium batteries and other types of batteries in their premises and buildings.  This is even more prevalent in states – like...

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Harvest Named in “Best Law Firms” 2024 Edition

LOS ANGELES (November 2, 2023) — Harvest LLP was recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms®, receiving a First-Tier ranking in San Diego for Real Estate Litigation.  It...

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Assumable Multifamily Loans: What Investors Need to Know

By Brandt Hollander
For those grappling with high borrowing rates, this strategy presents an intriguing alternative, observe Brandt Hollander and Lee Kaplan of Harvest LLP. With interest rates surging to historic highs and...

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New Regulatory Policy Statement Provides Guidance to Lenders and Borrowers for Navigating CRE Loan Workouts

By Fernando Landa
On June 29, 2023, several banking regulators – including the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation –adopted a new Policy Statement on Prudent Commercial Real Estate Loan Accommodations and Workouts. This...

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Three Harvest Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers 2024 Edition in San Diego, Los Angeles

Fernando Landa, Partner Jamie Altman Buggy, Partner & General Counsel Stephanie Sweat, Senior Counsel LOS ANGELES (August 17, 2023) — Three Harvest LLP attorneys were recognized in the 2024 edition...

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Ensuring the Enforceability of Letters of Credit in Cases of Tenant Bankruptcy and Lender Distress

By Jamie Altman Buggy
Landlords have a few tools to secure a tenant's payment under a commercial lease – most notably, personal guarantees, security deposits and letters of credit.  Landlords should be aware that...

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Two Harvest Partners Named Among 2023 CRE Visionaries by L.A. Times B2B Publishing

Fernando Landa, Partner Michael Rivera, Partner Harvest LLP partners Fernando Landa and Michael Rivera were named among the "Commercial Real Estate Visionaries: Professional Service Providers" for 2023 by L.A. Times...

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Harvest Attorneys Landa and Sweat Honored in Super Lawyers 2023

LOS ANGELES (June 7
Fernando Landa, Partner Stephanie Sweat, Senior Counsel Harvest LLP partner Fernando Landa and senior counsel Stephanie Sweat were recognized by Super Lawyers for 2023.  Landa was named to the 2023...

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New Regulations Promoting Conversion of Obsolete Office Buildings Create Opportunities for Developers

By Brandt Hollander
Across the country, office occupancy has remained stubbornly low following the Covid-19 pandemic, while at the same time, apartment rents have exploded to record highs.  This dual crisis has led...

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How and When to Provide Notice of an Insurance Claim

By Ryan Kirby
The early stages of an insurance claim are often the most critical.  Your phone rings – there was an accident at one of your properties, a bad environmental report came...

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Preparing Your Property Portfolio for a Possible Recession

By Fernando Landa
While economists and pundits may disagree about the likelihood of a recession in 2023, it is important for real estate investors to take steps now to prepare their portfolios for...

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Los Angeles Eviction Moratorium Lifted: What Landlords Need to Know

By Fernando Landa
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Los Angeles implemented a temporary eviction moratorium to protect residential and commercial tenants during a time of widespread economic hardship.  The...

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The Future of Transfer Taxes Approved by LA Voters in Question

By Lee Kaplan
It's called the "Mansion Tax," but commercial investors will feel it the most, according to attorney Lee Kaplan of Harvest LLP. The future of new real estate transfer taxes scheduled...

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News Release

Harvest Grows with New Partner, Associate and CFO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES (January 17
David Levine, Partner Steven Jeppson, CFO Julie Scher, Associate Harvest LLP, a growing premier commercial real estate law firm, announced three new team members: David Levine, Steven Jeppson and Julie...

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Hollander Honored in Third Edition of Connect CRE’s “Lawyers in Real Estate”

Harvest partner Brandt Hollander has been selected as a winner for Connect Commercial Real Estate's 2022 Annual Lawyers in Real Estate Awards. He was featured as one of 10 attorneys...

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Harvest Listed in “Best Law Firms” 2023

Harvest is honored to be included in the 13th edition of “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® . The firm received a Tier 1 ranking in San Diego for Real...

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Firm Insights

Time Kills All Deals

By Christopher Rizza
Most clients are familiar with the old adage "time kills all deals".  Given current market conditions and the fact that a number of pundits believe that we are potentially entering into...

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Cheryl Brechlin Nominated to “Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards” for 2022

Harvest Senior Counsel Cheryl Nieman Brechlin was recognized as a nominee for the L.A. Times B2B Publishing's 2022 Inspirational Women Forum and Leadership Awards. The annual awards recognize and celebrate outstanding women from...

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Three Harvest Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers®

Congratulations to our Harvest attorneys for being recognized by Best Lawyers®! We are pleased to announce that Founding Partner Fernando Landa has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® and that Cheryl Nieman Brechlin and Stephanie Sweat...

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David Alvarado Recognized Among “Commercial Real Estate Visionaries” for 2022

Harvest founding partner David Alvarado was named among the "Commercial Real Estate Visionaries: Professional Service Advisors" for 2022 by L.A. Times B2B Publishing. The annual awards highlight noteworthy senior-level executives...

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Firm Insights

Cultivating Commercial Real Estate Success: Introducing Harvest

New Bicoastal Law Firm Focuses on Client Service, Talent and Technology to Serve Top-Tier Clients LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2022) – Harvest LLP, driven by the desire to help clients...

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