LOS ANGELES, CA — In a strategic move to further bolster its real estate and land use practices, the prestigious law firm Paul Hastings has added a five-partner team from Latham & Watkins to its Los Angeles office. This high-profile addition brings decades of experience and deep expertise in real estate transactions, land use law, environmental compliance, and regulatory matters, positioning Paul Hastings for continued success in one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world.
The new team members — DJ Moore, Beth Gordie, Winston Stromberg, Benjamin Hanelin, and Lauren Paull — are widely regarded as leaders in the real estate legal space, with each having worked on several landmark development projects across California and beyond. Their combined skills span a broad range of real estate-related matters, including complex property deals, entitlement processes, environmental and zoning issues, and negotiation with public agencies, making them a valuable asset to Paul Hastings’ growing presence in Los Angeles.
Strategic Expansion in the Competitive Los Angeles Real Estate Market
The decision to expand the real estate team comes at a time of rapid growth in the Los Angeles real estate sector. The city has long been known for its complex and fast-moving real estate market, which demands a nuanced understanding of local regulations, environmental constraints, and market dynamics. As one of the largest and most competitive real estate markets in the United States, Los Angeles presents unique opportunities and challenges for developers, investors, and legal practitioners alike.
Los Angeles is home to a host of major real estate projects, including luxury residential developments, commercial office buildings, mixed-use complexes, and urban renewal efforts. As these projects continue to increase in number and complexity, so does the need for expert legal guidance on land use, zoning, environmental compliance, and entitlement processes. This is precisely where the new team at Paul Hastings comes in.
Their addition to the firm strengthens Paul Hastings’ existing real estate practice and provides clients with an enhanced capability to navigate California’s often challenging regulatory framework. These include the state’s strict environmental laws, which impact nearly every stage of the real estate development process. Additionally, with Los Angeles’ rapid growth in new construction and redevelopment, the ability to handle large-scale development projects is essential.
“Los Angeles continues to be a hub for significant real estate developments, and we are excited to bring in a team with such strong experience and deep knowledge of the market,” said Michael Johnson, Managing Partner of Paul Hastings. “Their combined expertise will strengthen our real estate practice and help us meet the growing demand for sophisticated real estate legal services.”
DJ Moore: A Recognized Authority in Real Estate Development and Land Use
DJ Moore, one of the five new partners joining Paul Hastings, is a well-known figure in the field of real estate and land use law. Over the course of his career, Moore has worked on some of California’s most notable development projects. His expertise encompasses a wide range of real estate matters, from negotiating complex commercial transactions to navigating the intricate landscape of local zoning ordinances and environmental regulations.
Moore’s background includes years of experience advising developers, institutional investors, and public agencies on land use issues. His ability to bridge the needs of both private and public sector stakeholders has made him a sought-after advisor on large-scale, high-profile projects throughout the state. Moore’s work spans industries including retail, hospitality, mixed-use developments, and residential real estate, making him a valuable asset for Paul Hastings’ clients.
Beth Gordie: Expertise in Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Beth Gordie is another key member of the newly formed team at Paul Hastings. With a robust background in environmental law and regulatory compliance, Gordie brings a wealth of experience in advising clients on complex environmental matters, particularly in the context of real estate development. She is highly skilled in managing environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and ensuring that development projects comply with local and state regulations.
Gordie’s expertise extends to environmental due diligence, mitigation strategies, and regulatory approvals, helping clients navigate the challenges that often arise during the development process. Her work in this field has made her a trusted advisor to clients in industries ranging from energy and infrastructure to commercial and residential development. As demand for sustainable development continues to grow, Gordie’s focus on ensuring environmental compliance will be crucial for Paul Hastings as it expands its real estate footprint in Los Angeles.
Winston Stromberg: A Leader in Complex Real Estate Transactions
Winston Stromberg is an experienced real estate attorney known for his work on large, complex transactions involving commercial and residential real estate. Stromberg has represented clients in a wide array of real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and financing. He has advised both developers and investors on high-stakes deals, ensuring that clients are positioned for success in an increasingly competitive market.
His deep knowledge of real estate law and his ability to structure and negotiate complex transactions make him an invaluable addition to the Paul Hastings team. Stromberg’s expertise also extends to land use law, where his experience in zoning, entitlements, and environmental compliance ensures that projects are completed on time and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Benjamin Hanelin: A Key Figure in Land Use and Zoning Law
Benjamin Hanelin is known for his expertise in land use and zoning law, particularly as it pertains to real estate development in Los Angeles. He has worked on numerous projects that required navigating the city’s complex zoning laws and securing the necessary entitlements and permits for development. Hanelin’s experience in dealing with public agencies and community stakeholders has proven invaluable in advancing large-scale development projects.
His focus on securing zoning approvals and entitlements makes him a critical addition to Paul Hastings’ growing real estate practice. Hanelin has built a strong reputation as a problem-solver, using his in-depth understanding of local regulations and public policy to overcome obstacles and drive development projects forward.
Lauren Paull: Specialized Knowledge of Affordable Housing and Development
Lauren Paull rounds out the new team at Paul Hastings, bringing specialized expertise in affordable housing development and government regulations. Paull’s work focuses on navigating the intricacies of affordable housing projects, including compliance with state and federal housing policies, tax credits, and financing options.
As affordable housing becomes an increasingly pressing issue in California, Paull’s skills are particularly relevant to Paul Hastings’ broader real estate practice. Her ability to structure financing deals and negotiate with public agencies to secure approvals for affordable housing projects will be a valuable asset to the firm’s clients seeking to meet California’s growing demand for affordable housing options.
Navigating California’s Unique Real Estate Landscape
California’s real estate market is defined by its complexity, with stringent regulations at the state and local levels. From Los Angeles’ strict zoning laws to the state’s rigorous environmental standards, developers must navigate a host of legal challenges in order to bring projects to fruition. These regulations are often in flux, with city councils and state lawmakers regularly introducing new laws and policies aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis and environmental goals.
The addition of Moore, Gordie, Stromberg, Hanelin, and Paull to Paul Hastings will allow the firm to provide its clients with comprehensive legal counsel on all aspects of real estate development. Whether dealing with environmental review under CEQA, negotiating with public agencies for entitlements, or addressing land use disputes, the team’s collective expertise will help clients maneuver through the complexities of California’s legal landscape.
The Future of Paul Hastings’ Real Estate Practice
With the addition of this esteemed five-partner team, Paul Hastings is poised to continue expanding its real estate practice in Los Angeles, one of the most important real estate markets in the world. The city’s ongoing real estate boom, fueled by an influx of new development projects and a demand for innovative spaces, will undoubtedly provide ample opportunities for Paul Hastings to apply its expanded capabilities.
In a market where the landscape is constantly evolving and regulatory challenges are ever-present, the team’s deep experience in land use, zoning, and environmental compliance will be invaluable to clients navigating the complexities of development in Los Angeles. As the firm’s real estate practice continues to grow, clients can expect tailored, strategic advice that takes into account both the legal and practical aspects of real estate development.
With new developments continuing to reshape the Los Angeles skyline, the role of legal advisors will remain critical in ensuring that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. As Paul Hastings further solidifies its presence in this competitive market, the firm is well-positioned to serve a wide range of clients, from local developers to national and international investors.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Growth
Paul Hastings’ decision to add this high-profile team of real estate experts is a clear signal of the firm’s commitment to expanding its real estate practice in Los Angeles. As the city’s real estate market continues to grow and evolve, the firm’s new team of experienced partners will undoubtedly play a crucial role in guiding clients through the complexities of development, land use, and regulatory compliance.
With an ever-changing landscape and growing demand for innovative real estate solutions, Paul Hastings’ enhanced real estate team is poised to provide the expertise and strategic counsel needed to navigate the challenges of the modern real estate industry.
