Commercial Real Estate Development and Redevelopment

Structuring Development Agreements

Successful development begins with the right structure. Our attorneys draft and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, and construction contracts that coordinate zoning, entitlements, and site-specific obligations. We work closely with lenders, municipalities, and consultants to ensure each document aligns with the broader project timeline and business plan.

Our experience allows us to identify potential roadblocks early and resolve them before they affect financing or approvals. The result is a cohesive legal framework that supports the entire development process, from raw land through build-out.

Redevelopment of Existing Properties

Redevelopment projects present their own set of challenges, often requiring the balance of existing property obligations with new project goals. We assist clients in amending CC&Rs, renegotiating easements, and addressing tenant relocation or modification rights.

Our attorneys help reposition properties by coordinating legal, financial, and operational requirements—ensuring that updated infrastructure, anchor tenant agreements, and financing covenants are integrated into a single, enforceable structure. This proactive approach streamlines the redevelopment process and minimizes the risk of delays.

Risk Management in Development Transactions

From site acquisition through vertical construction, development projects demand careful risk management. We prepare indemnities, warranties, and milestone provisions that define obligations and allocate risk among owners, contractors, and tenants.

By addressing potential defaults, delays, and cost overruns in advance, we safeguard project viability and financing stability. Our attorneys ensure that each agreement supports forward progress while maintaining flexibility for changing timelines, market conditions, or design requirements.

Institutional Standards for Retail and Mixed-Use Projects

We represent national developers, REITs, and regional investors who expect documentation that meets institutional standards. Whether structuring ground leases for anchor tenants or drafting reciprocal easement agreements for multi-parcel developments, our attorneys deliver agreements that are market-standard, lender-approved, and respected by opposing counsel.

Our familiarity with both legal requirements and market expectations allows us to close complex transactions efficiently, maintaining momentum from initial planning through project completion.

Experience You Can Trust

The Development and Redevelopment Process

Every successful project begins with site control. Whether through an option, ground lease, or purchase and sale agreement. From there, our attorneys guide clients through entitlements, financing, construction contracting, and eventual lease-up. We coordinate the moving pieces like developers, lenders, contractors, and tenants to keep approvals, funding, and construction schedules aligned.

By focusing on clarity and communication, we help clients avoid disputes and move confidently from concept to completion.

Legal expertise in development and redevelopment

Our legal team has decades of experience drafting and negotiating development agreements, reciprocal easement agreements, construction contracts, and joint venture documentation. We understand the interaction between California real estate law, local ordinances, and the day-to-day realities of project management.

Whether negotiating public–private partnerships or structuring complex financing arrangements, we provide the legal foundation necessary for projects to advance on schedule and within budget.

Guiding projects from land acquisition to completion

We work with developers from the earliest stages of a project, like helping secure raw land, complete due diligence, and obtain entitlements. through construction, lease-up, and long-term operation. Our attorneys negotiate with city departments, utilities, and anchor tenants to align timelines and protect investment objectives.

We remain involved through closing and occupancy, ensuring that financing conditions are met, permits are issued, and construction proceeds according to plan.

How development legal counsel works in practice

For developers, we draft documents that secure control of land and preserve flexibility to adapt as projects evolve. For property owners, we negotiate protections in redevelopment transactions that maintain asset value while attracting financing and new tenants.

Our process includes:

• Entitlement review – confirming that zoning and use approvals align with development goals.
• Construction and development agreements – allocating risk for delays, cost changes, and contractor performance.
• Easements and CC&Rs – drafting or amending reciprocal agreements that support multi-parcel projects.
• Financing and joint ventures – aligning investor obligations, loan covenants, and development milestones.

Because we act as both real estate attorneys and strategic advisors to property owners, we structure each agreement to be both practical and durable—supporting long-term project success from land acquisition to stabilized operation.

Serving clients across Southern California

Based in Costa Mesa, Buckner, Robinson & Mirkovich represents clients across Orange County, Los Angeles, and throughout California. Our commercial real estate development attorneys provide experienced counsel through every phase of a project, helping developers and investors bring their vision from the ground up.

Common Questions