Two New Associates Join Gilchrist & Rutter

Gilchrist & Rutter proudly welcomes two new associates on board: Yen N. Nguyen and Kevin M. Yopp .

Ms. Nguyen, joined Gilchrist & Rutter on November 27, 2006. She has represented clients in a wide range of business matters ranging from insurance coverage to disputes involving covenants and easements in real estate purchase contracts. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Yen previously worked at DLA Piper Rudnick.

Mr. Yopp has represented major corporations in complex business disputes, and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School Of Law. He joined Gilchrist & Rutter on November 20, 2006, having previously worked at O'Melveny & Myers.

Yen N. Nguyen Kevin M. Yopp

Real Estate Southern California Honors Gilchrist & Rutter Partner Susan Fowler McNally as a 2006 "Woman of Influence."

Susan Fowler McNally was honored for being "the first choice for tinseltown landlords entertaining lucrative, but risky movie production license agreements for commercial properties. McNally negotiated several agreements on behalf of Maguire Properties for production companies to use U.S. Bank Tower and The Gas Company Tower in movies with physical damage potential like 'Daredevil' and 'Vanilla Sky.' She is also an expert counsel on helistop license agreements, agreements to commission original artwork creation, insurance provisions in contracts and complex design and construction contracts."

Honorees were chosen for their contributions to commercial real estate and their devotion to the enrichment of their communities. Congratulations, Susan!

Susan Fowler McNally

Super Lawyers "Rising Star" - 2006, 2005 and 2004

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Thomas W. Casparian on being honored as a 2006 Southern California Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for professional achievement, civic service and pro bono activities. The honor is Mr. Casparian's third such distinction in as many years.

The Rising Star selection process includes peer nominations of "the best up-and-coming" attorneys, plus independent research and data verification by Law & Politics Media, Inc. to evalutate merit. Only 2.5% of licensed, practicing attorneys in Southern California meeting established requirements receive the designation. Mr. Casparian will be profiled in the July 2006 issue of Los Angeles magazine and in Southern California Super Lawyers-Rising Stars Edition, an annual publication of Law & Politics.

Mr. Casparian, a Partner in the Firm, was also recently honored as 2006 Advocate of the Year by Public Counsel for his pro bono contributions to Public Counsel's Children's Rights Project. Mr. Casparian specializes in commercial, business, real estate and environmental litigation.

Thomas W. Casparian

Jonathan S. Gross Named New Managing Partner -- 2006

Gilchrist & Rutter announced June 13, 2006, that Jonathan S. Gross has been named Managing Partner of the Firm. Mr. Gross succeeded Paul S. Rutter, who became Executive Vice President for Major Transaction with Maguire Properties, Inc., a long-time Gilchrist & Rutter client, at the end of June.

Recognized as a 2006 "Super Lawyer in Real Estate Law" by Law & Politics Media, Inc., Mr. Gross is a founding partner of Gilchrist & Rutter, practicing in the area of commercial real estate. Other partners who received this distinction include James R. Andrews, Susan Fowler McNally, Donald C. Nanney and Mr. Rutter.

In his new role as Managing Partner, Mr. Gross will focus on the strategic growth of the Firm through the recruitment of top-notch legal talent and the continued expansion of the Firm's practice areas, including commercial real estate, corporate, environmental, litigation and trusts and estates.

"Gilchrist & Rutter has earned a reputation for delivering the highest quality legal representation in a principal-to-principal environment that ensures senior-level expertise for every business matter. We will continue to carefully grow the Firm, balancing a deep commitment to client service with broad business expertise," said Mr. Gross.

Gilchrist & Rutter will also continue to work closely with Mr. Rutter and Maguire Properties. Mr. Gross added, "Paul Rutter has distinguished himself professionally and has made an enormous contribution to the growth of our Firm. We are pleased that Paul will continue to work with Gilchrist & Rutter in the execution of his new responsibilities and we look forward to continuing our already strong relationship with Maguire Properties. The Firm congratulates Paul and wishes him all the best."

Jonathan S. Gross

$1.8-Billion Downtown Los Angeles Development -- 2006

Designs for Phase 1 of the Grand Avenue Project -- an ambitious, $1.8-billion, 3.8-million square foot, three-phase mixed-use revitalization plan for the cultural heart of Los Angeles -- were unveiled Monday, April 24, 2006 by the Project's visionary architect, Frank O. Gehry, and The Related Companies, the developer of the Project, at a press conference arranged by The Grand Avenue Committee. The Grand Avenue Committee is the real estate negotiator for The Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority, a joint powers authority of the County of Los Angeles and the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles.

Gehry's bold plans for translucent, glass-curtained high-rise condominium and apartment towers, retail pavilions and a boutique hotel for the first phase of the Project aim to create a unique new skyline, as well as foster a vibrant urban cultural scene. As part of this initial phase, the developer will also oversee the design and construction of a new 16-acre Civic Park stretching between the Music Center and City Hall.

The Grand Avenue Project represents a broad civic and private venture seeking to elevate Downtown LA into the ranks of culture-rich cities such as New York, London and Paris. By uniting such cultural monuments as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Music Center, the Colburn School of Performing Arts and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the developers hope to spark Downtown LA's revival as a thriving destination of choice for professionals, artists and others.

Paul S. Rutter represents The Grand Avenue Committee on behalf of the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority in its negotiations with The Related Companies for the development.

Advocate of the Year -- 2006

Gilchrist & Rutter proudly congratulates Thomas W. Casparian, a Partner in the Firm, on being named 2006 Advocate of the Year for his pro bono contributions to Public Counsel's Children's Rights Project.

Public Counsel, the Southern California affiliate of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, is the nation's largest pro bono law office. Public Counsel dedicates itself to advancing equal justice under the law by mobilizing, coordinating and delivering pro bono legal services to over 25,000 indigent and under-represented children and adults annually.

The Children's Rights Project , Public Counsel's largest program, serves the poorest and most vulnerable members of our community by providing free legal and advocacy services to children and youth.

Gilchrist & Rutter supports Public Counsel and its work, and joins in honoring Mr. Casparian for his dedication and service to our community.

Thomas W. Casparian Martin N. Burton

New Partner in the Firm - 2006

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Martin N. Burton on becoming a Partner in the Firm. Mr. Burton specializes in land use and real estate transactions and has an extensive background in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Mr. Burton, a former executive of Unocal Corporation, where he managed that company's $700-million real estate portfolio, has represented both private and public agency clients in some of the region's most significant land use projects, including Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Alameda Corridor and the LAX Master Plan.

"Super Lawyers®" Honors -- 2006

Gilchrist & Rutter proudly announces the naming of five of its attorneys as "Southern California Super Lawyers® 2006" by Law & Politics magazine. Paul S. Rutter, James R. Andrews, Jonathan S. Gross, Susan Fowler McNally and Donald C. Nanney are being honored for their high degree of professional achievement and for recognition by their peers.

The nine-month selection process includes a confidential ballot of active attorneys, a blue-ribbon panel review, interviews, independent research by Law & Politics and data verification to confirm merit. Super Lawyers® comprise only 5% of licensed, practicing attorneys; the five will be profiled in both Los Angeles magazine and in this year's Super Lawyers® magazine.

Mr. Rutter specializes in commercial real estate and business transactions, including development, financing, leasing and acquisition & disposition of commercial, industrial and multifamily properties. The selection of Mr. Rutter to the list of Super Lawyers® represents his third such honor in a row.

Mr. Andrews focuses his practice on general business transactions for public and private business entities and individuals, including business formation, Section 1031 exchanges and ongoing operational issues and disputes.

Mr. Gross specializes in commercial real estate, including major office and retail leasing, construction, design, engineering and management agreements, and real estate-secured leasing.

Ms. McNally concentrates her practice in commercial real estate and business transactions on acquisitions & dispositions, development, construction, financing, leasing, asset management and contracts.

Mr. Nanney focuses his practice on environmental law and real estate, including site assessment, remediation, contractual allocation of environmental risk, regulatory compliance, liability, claims, penalties and insurance. The selection of Mr. Nanney to the list of Super Lawyers® represents his third such honor in a row.

$1 Billion Joint Venture -- 2006

Gilchrist & Rutter acted as co-counsel to Maguire Properties, Inc. in a $1 billion-plus joint venture with Australia's Macquarie Office Trust to own, operate and acquire office properties principally located in Southern California. Net proceeds to Maguire of approximately $350 million will be used by the REIT to pay down debt, as well as for future strategic acquisitions and development opportunities. The deal will also substantially increase Maguire's return on equity.

Maguire Macquarie Office, LLC will initially hold six properties in its portfolio, totaling nearly 4.0 million square feet. Five of the assets will come from Maguire: One California Plaza (Los Angeles), Cerritos Corporate Center (Cerritos, California), Washington Mutual Campus (Irvine, California), San Diego Tech Center (San Diego) and Wells Fargo Center (Denver). The sixth property will be Macquarie's Stadium Gateway in Anaheim.

Completion of the new venture was announced January 6, 2006. Several lawyers in the Firm were involved in the transaction.

Campus El Segundo Acquisition -- 2005

Gilchrist & Rutter acted as counsel to buyer Thomas Properties Group in the key acquisition of 46.5 acres of prime undeveloped land on the west side of Los Angeles. With a development agreement with the City of El Segundo already secured, the purchase of the site from Federal Express Corporation closed in just 4 days.

The transaction represents a rare development opportunity, with full entitlements for a 2.175-million square foot mixed-use project with commercial, retail and community-serving components. The flexible entitlements package, constructed to meet changing market demands, offers a variety of building options and configurations to accommodate a wide range of uses on a lushly landscaped campus setting. In addition to providing a secure environment and fiber optic technology, Campus El Segundo offers a mix of development, including office, research & development and multimedia-related uses, along with a hotel, health club, golf course, restaurants, retail, child-care facilities and public service enterprises.

Paul S. Rutter , of Gilchrist & Rutter, negotiated the development agreement, the acquisition and the financing for the project.

General Counsel to CREW-Los Angeles -- 2006

Gilchrist & Rutter proudly announces that Susan Fowler McNally , a Partner in the Firm, has been appointed General Counsel to the Los Angeles Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women ("CREW") Board of Directors by its President, Gina Guarino.

Consistently honored as an "International Leader in Achievement", "Who's Who Worldwide" and one of the "Most Powerful, Influential Women in Real Estate", Ms. McNally's appointment will afford her the opportunity to work with other commercial real estate industry leaders to implement the CREW Network mission of advancing the success of women in commercial real estate. Ms. McNally's practice focuses on commercial real estate and business transactions, particularly in acquisitions and dispositions, development, financing and the leasing of commercial real estate.

Paul S. Rutter Susan F. McNally

"Best Lawyers in America" - 1996-2006

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Paul S. Rutter on being named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" for the tenth straight year, in a list prepared by the professional research firm of Woodward/White, Inc. "Best Lawyers" are chosen for inclusion through a confidential peer-review survey of leading attorneys across the country and vetted further based on individual merit. The attorneys named to the list have been profiled in national news media, including The New York Times, Forbes, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal . Mr. Rutter, Of Counsel in the Firm, focuses his practice on the areas of commercial real estate and business transactions.

2000 Avenue of the Stars Topping Out - 2005

2000 Avenue of the Stars, a Class "A", twin-tower complex designed to present a dramatic, geometric profile of stainless steel and sky-blue glass walls, celebrated the steel top out of its helipad on September 21, 2005. The project signals a renaissance for the prestigious super block known as "Century Park".

Paul S. Rutter and Susan Fowler McNally negotiated and drafted the architectural, engineering and construction agreements and are handling ongoing construction matters for the 850,000 square foot project being developed by Trammell Crow Company, on behalf of JP Morgan Investment Management, Inc., on a 4.5-acre site in Century City, California. Donald C. Nanney assisted with drafting and negotiating the contracts for asbestos and hazardous materials abatement, soft demolition and consulting oversight preceding the new construction.

Southern California "Rising Star" - 2005 and 2004

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Thomas W. Casparian on being selected as a Southern California "Rising Star" for the second year in a row. Rising Stars are chosen by their peers and verified by attorney-led research staff at Law & Politics magazine. The attorneys named to the list are profiled in the September 2005 issue of Los Angeles magazine, as well as in a special annual publication, Southern California Rising Stars, issued by Law & Politics. Mr. Casparian, a Partner in the Firm, specializes in commercial, business, real estate and environmental litigation.

Thomas W. Casparian Donald C. Nanney

California State Bar Assoc. / Executive Committee Appointment -- 2005

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Donald C. Nanney on his appointment to the Executive Committee of the California State Bar Association, Real Property Section, for the 2005-2008 term. Mr. Nanney, a Partner in the Firm, focuses his practice on environmental law and real estate, including environmental aspects of business and real estate transactions, regulatory compliance counseling, environmental assessments/auditing, contractual allocation of environmental risks, environmental insurance, environmental claims and penalties, and hazardous materials emergencies.

Austin Research Park I & II Disposition -- 2005

Paul S. Rutter , Of Counsel to Gilchrist & Rutter, and Associate Peter E. Swain negotiated and drafted the $55 million sale of Austin Research Park I and II, an institutional quality Class "A" office project in Austin, Texas, to a national REIT. The Austin Research Park asset comprises two 4-story buildings totaling approximately 272,000 square feet, plus outdoor meeting areas, elegant water features and beautiful courtyards. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Seller's counsel.

New Century Financial Corporation Lease - 2005

Paul S. Rutter and Diane J. Hvolka negotiated and drafted the pre-lease for 190,000 square feet in a 20-story high-rise office tower to be constructed at Park Place in Irvine, California, for a targeted delivery date of second quarter 2007. New Century will be relocating its headquarters to the new 600,000 square-foot tower, part of the prestigious 105-acre "city within a city" development in the commercial heart of Orange County. The transaction is the fourth lease executed by New Century for office space at Park Place, including one earlier this year for 179,000 square feet. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Landlord's counsel.

Excellence in Real Estate Law - 2005 and 2004

For the second year in a row, California Real Estate Journal rated Gilchrist & Rutter as one of California's Major Real Estate Law Firms.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Lease - 2005

Paul S. Rutter and Diane J. Hvolka negotiated and drafted the pre-lease for 80,000 square feet in a 20-story high-rise office tower to be constructed at Park Place in Irvine, California, for a targeted delivery date of second quarter 2007. With the execution of this transaction, the new 600,000 square-foot tower -- part of the 105-acre Park Place real estate campus, which is expected to be fully developed over the next five to seven years -- is now nearly 50% pre-leased. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Landlord's counsel.

Los Angeles County Bar Assoc. / Officer Installation - 2005

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Donald C. Nanney , a Partner with the Firm, on his installation as Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Real Property Section. Mr. Nanney's practice focuses on environmental law and real estate, including environmental aspects of business and real estate transactions, regulatory compliance counseling, environmental assessments/auditing, contractual allocation of environmental risks, environmental insurance, environmental claims and penalties, and hazardous materials emergencies.

2000 Avenue of the Stars Development - 2005

Paul S. Rutter and Susan Fowler McNally negotiated and drafted the architectural, engineering and construction agreements and are handling ongoing construction matters for the 790,000 square foot "2000 Avenue of the Stars" project being developed by Trammell Crow Company, on behalf of JP Morgan Investment Management, Inc., in Century City, California. Donald C. Nanney assisted with drafting and negotiating the contracts for asbestos and hazardous materials abatement, soft demolition and consulting oversight preceding the new construction. The Class "A" complex's dramatic, geometric profile of stainless steel and sky-blue glass walls signals a renaissance for the prestigious super block known as "Century Park".

Los Angeles Grand Avenue Development - 2005

Paul S. Rutter and Martin N. Burton represented the Grand Avenue Committee of the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority in its negotiation with The Related Companies for the development of up to 3.2 million square feet of retail space, hotel and high-rise residential units in Downtown Los Angeles, adjacent to and across from Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The $1.2 billion revitalization plan for the cultural heart of Los Angeles aims to elevate Downtown LA into the ranks of culture-rich cities such as New York and Chicago.

New Century Financial Corp. Office Leases - 2005

Gilchrist & Rutter has negotiated and drafted the office leases for 450,000 square feet at the prestigious, 15-acre Park Place office campus in Irvine, California. The office campus is part of Park Place's 105-acre "city within a city" development in the commercial center of Orange County. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Landlord's counsel.

Thomas W. Casparian Duane M. Montgomery

New Partners in the Firm - 2005

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Thomas W. Casparian and Duane M. Montgomery on becoming Partners in the Firm. Mr. Casparian's trial and appellate practice focuses on commercial, business, real estate and environmental litigation. Mr. Montgomery specializes in commercial real estate financing and business transactions.

Lantana Entertainment Media Center Acquisition - 2004

Negotiated the $136.8 million acquisition of Lantana Entertainment Media Center (North and South), a 12-acre office campus totaling 331,926 square feet, in Santa Monica, California. The development is entitled for an additional 195,000 square feet, bringing the total project to 526,926 square feet. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Buyer's counsel, and represents the Project in all leasing and asset management matters.

Group M Worldwide Office Lease - 2004

Negotiated the office lease of 60,048 square feet at the Water Garden in Santa Monica, California. The Water Garden, a landscaped, state-of-the-art Class "A" trophy suburban complex, is located on 17 acres and offers 1.27 million square feet of rentable space. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Landlord's counsel.

Thomas Properties Group, Inc. Initial Public Offering - 2004

Thomas Properties Group, Inc. raised $175 million in IPO of common stock and is traded on the NASDAQ under symbol "TPGI". Gilchrist & Rutter acted as counsel for TGPI and affiliates of James A. Thomas in both pre-formation and formation transactions to create the operating partnership.

Park Place Acquisition - 2004

Gilchrist & Rutter negotiated the $215-million acquisition of 90 acres of land plus existing improvements in Irvine, California, for client Maguire Properties, L.P. Park Place, now a 105-acre "city within a city" development in the commercial center of Orange County, will feature 5 million square feet of office, retail and multi-use space when completed. Gilchrist & Rutter served as Buyer’s counsel.

$1.25-Million Summary Judgment - 2004

Obtained a summary judgment against a major media company in favor of an institutional real estate client. Judgment was upheld on appeal to the California Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court denied review. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as Plaintiff’s counsel.

Gilchrist & Rutter congratulates Susan Fowler McNally on being named by Real Estate Southern California as one of Southern California's Most Powerful/Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for the second year in a row, Ms. McNally's fourth such ranking in five years. Ms. McNally, a Partner in the Firm, specializes in commercial real estate and business transactions.

Mezzanine & Private Equity Investments - Ongoing

Raised over $100 million in 2003. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as counsel to institutional and private investors.

Rand Corporation Office Lease - 2004

Negotiated 37,000 square foot office lease in Santa Monica, California. Gilchrist & Rutter served as Landlord's counsel.

US Bancorp Office Lease - 2004

Negotiated 155,000 square foot office lease in Downtown Los Angeles. Gilchrist & Rutter served as Landlord's counsel.

Fremont General Office Lease - 2004

Negotiated 62,000 Square Foot Lease at the Water Garden in Santa Monica, California. The Water Garden, a landscaped, state-of-the-art Class "A" trophy suburban complex, is located on 17 acres and offers 1.27 million square feet of rentable space. Gilchrist & Rutter served as Landlord's counsel.

Four Seasons Hotel & Resort Development - 2003-2004

Gilchrist & Rutter negotiated and drafted agreements on behalf of the Developer for the development and construction of the Four Seasons Resort hotel and condominium project located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Perched in the spectacular Teton Mountains, Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole is a luxury mountain ski-in/ski-out resort offering full-range recreational activities amidst panaramic wilderness views.

Maguire Properties, Inc. Initial Public Offering - 2003

Raised $800 million in IPO of common stock. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as part of counsel team in handling pre-formation work and contribution of assets to operational partnership.

Multi-Family Complex Acquisition - 2003

Negotiated purchase in Colorado. Gilchrist & Rutter represented the buyers, Bridge Capital Group and Buchanan Street Partners.

Self-Storage Facilities Acquisition - 2003

Negotiated purchase of multiple facilities in Torrance and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Gilchrist & Rutter represented the Buyer, William Warren Group.

Major Law Firm Office Leases - 2003-2004

Negotiated office leases totaling 250,000 square feet in the central business district of Downtown Los Angeles, California. Gilchrist & Rutter acted as counsel to the institutional Landlords.

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