Matt Kohanbash shares his inspiring journey from his early challenges growing up in a culturally traditional Persian household and overcoming academic obstacles, to becoming a successful lawyer. His story highlights his dedication to law, focusing on personal injury, real estate, and land use law.

The City of Los Angeles may face liability for damages resulting from a water main break at a busy intersection, affecting nearby businesses, vehicles, and causing a car accident. Under California law, liability depends on whether the water main break constituted a dangerous condition and if the city's maintenance was unreasonable, posing a substantial risk of harm. The determination of liability will focus on the reasonableness of the city's actions and the break's role as a substantial cause of the damages.

This article discusses the City of Los Angeles’s proposed expansion of adaptive reuse policies. It covers amendments to municipal code sections, aimed at converting vacant commercial spaces into housing and revitalizing Downtown LA. Key points include the ordinance’s goals, incentives, eligibility criteria, historic resource protection, and the permit process.

In the article “Second District Addresses CEQA’s Class 32 Infill Exemption Criteria,” the court case United Neighborhoods for Los Angeles v. City of Los Angeles (2023) is analyzed. The court voided the city’s reliance on a CEQA exemption for a hotel project that would demolish 40 rent-stabilized units. Key takeaways include the importance of a comprehensive administrative record, avoiding implicit findings, and seeking expert consultation for navigating CEQA regulations.

This is the Housing Legislation Update. In 2022, California passed numerous housing-related laws to address the housing crisis and development costs. Key areas include regional housing finance, streamlined approvals, adaptive reuse in commercial zones, homeownership and tenant protections, housing and infrastructure, surplus land utilization, and planning and housing element laws. Most laws took effect on January 1, 2023.

LA Land Use Digest covers new legislation, projects, and important issues in LA. Highlights include updates on the Processes and Procedures Ordinance, AB 2011, SB 6, Wildlife Ordinance, DTLA 2040, and the Hollywood Community Plan. The Fairplex redevelopment project and Kevin de León’s “Park Block” initiative are also featured.

SMRH represented Realty Income, a real estate investment trust that invests in free-standing, single-tenant commercial properties in the United States, Spain and the United Kingdom that are subject to NNN Leases, in its $1.5 billion sale-leaseback transaction to acquire 415 single-tenant convenience store properties located in 13 states along the eastern seaboard.

Learn how Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance can protect you after an accident in California. Discover the importance of coverage, what steps to take, and how a personal injury attorney can help if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. goes here

This article explores the $418 million settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and home sellers. It covers key changes such as increased flexibility in negotiating buyer’s agent commissions, potential impacts on home prices, mandatory buyer-agent agreements, and the need for homebuyers to budget for agent commissions. The settlement’s approval process and its implications for the real estate market are also discussed.

This guide covers the essential aspects of pursuing a slip and fall claim, from understanding common causes and determining negligence, to gathering evidence, calculating damages, navigating the legal process, and overcoming potential challenges. With practical tips for a successful outcome, it also advises when to seek legal counsel to protect your rights and maximize your compensation after suffering injuries due to someone else's failure to maintain a safe property.

This article provides essential guidance for dealing with Uber or Lyft accidents in Los Angeles. It covers immediate steps to take, the importance of documenting the incident, understanding passenger rights, and when to contact a personal injury lawyer. Additionally, it explains how to navigate insurance claims and potential compensations, highlighting the role of Uber and Lyft in such cases.